These days there is intense competition for the tourist dollar in Asia. Cities around the region provide great value and fascinating experiences. That's why the Hong Kong Government is determined to take things a step further and establish Hong Kong as Asia's cultural hub.

One particularly exciting project is the West Kowloon Cultural District, or WKCD for short. WKCD is a 40-hectare site along our spectacular Victoria Harbour and it is about to undergo a dramatic transformation.

Plans are well underway for no less than 15 arts facilities on the site including concert halls, theatres, a contemporary arts museum, and a mega performance venue. We will select a number of iconic architectural designs and incorporate piazzas for people to relax and enjoy the atmosphere.

It will be our very own West End but with a Broadway skyline. Our aim is to create a modern and high quality venue to bring arts to the people and people to the arts. World-renowned architects are assisting us in drawing up the development plan for the project.

This may sound ambitious for a city of just 7 million people. But don't forget the almost 30 million visitors each year. We are also on the doorstep of the Mainland of China and a short hop from the thriving Pearl River Delta region which is home to over 50 million people.

Easier access

Fewer restrictions for cross-boundary travel and new transport infrastructure are making it easier for everyone to get around. We are pressing ahead with a project to construct an Express Rail Link that will connect to the high-speed rail network on the Mainland with a terminus in West Kowloon. Travelling time to Guangzhou will be just 48 minutes and even less to Shenzhen.

The potential is enormous for WKCD to become the cultural focus not only for our city but also for our region.

The government has provided an upfront endowment of about $21.6 billion (about US$2.8 billion) for the project and the first phase of WKCD is scheduled to open in 2014/15.

Raising arts profile

In parallel with planning, designing and building the facilities, we are working hard to strengthen the soft cultural infrastructure. We are raising the profile of the arts in schools and upgrading arts management. We also have various training schemes and funding programmes to support those with ambitions of a career in the arts.

Each year the Government either sponsors or promotes more than 4,000 cultural and educational programmes including major events such as the Hong Kong Arts Festival and International Film Festival.

In addition to WKCD, Hong Kong has invested $30 billion in recent years in attractions such as Hong Kong Disneyland, Hong Kong Wetland Park and Asia's longest bi-cable car ropeway. Mickey Mouse and friends came to Hong Kong in 2005 and last month work began at our Disneyland to expand the park and draw even more visitors.

Sustainable development

In the coming few years, we are investing another $17 billion in tourism infrastructure. This will create jobs, promote economic activity and ensure the sustainable development of the industry. It includes making full use of our magnificent natural harbour and our reputation as a popular destination for cruise travellers. Work has begun on a world-class cruise terminal that will be able to handle the largest cruise liners. The new terminal is expected to open for business in 2013.

After hearing all this, I am sure you would agree Hong Kong is a city with unlimited potential. Indeed, this is how we would like to portray Hong Kong in the Shanghai World Expo several months later. We will showcase the infinite possibilities you can find in the city life of Hong Kong: global connectivity, boundless creativity, invaluable natural and historical treasures.

If you plan to participate in the Expo, I recommend you to take a stroll in the Hong Kong Pavilion, located in the front of the China Pavilion: just like our unique geo-economic position as a gateway to China. Better still, make a stop in Hong Kong on your way.

Cultural roots

Hong Kong is proud of its cultural roots. We like to share our cultural treasures such as Cantonese Opera, Dragon Boat racing and gastronomic delights with friends from all over the world.

We would also like to welcome more New Yorkers to our city in the Year of the Tiger. And we will certainly be looking to tap New York's expertise in managing arts facilities and designing programmes as we move forward with WKCD project.

Chief Secretary Henry Tang gave this address at the reception "Hong Kong, A tapestry of Art & Culture" in New York.