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SCMP Reporter

Updated at 5.42pm:
Financial Secretary Henry Tang said on Wednesday the development of tourism, logistics and encouraging skilled mainland people were integral to Hong Kong's economic future.

Mr Tang said during his budget speech that prospects for tourism looked good.
 
'We expect 2005 to be an even better year for the tourism industry. Hong Kong Disneyland is scheduled to open in September, an event which the market is eagerly anticipating, and recruitment of 5000 staff is fully under way,' he said.

The government also planned to promote eco-tourism in the Northern New Territories and considered developing spa resorts, Mr Tang added.

 In regard to shipping and logistics, the government would provide funding of $5 million each to the Hong Kong Logistics Development Council and the Hong Kong Maritime Industry Council in 2005-06, he added.

'The Airport Authority is actively seeking out strategic partnerships with mainland airports in a bid to improve development and co-operation in the logistics industries of both sides,' Mr Tang said.

The need to contain expenditure would not affect the government's funding of education.

'The allocation for education in 2005-06 will still represent the biggest share, or nearly one quarter of recurrent expenditure,' he said.

Mr Tang reiterated his pledge in last year's budget to smooth the operation of the Admission Scheme for Mainland Talent and Professionals, to attract more talented people.

'Since the introduction of the scheme in July 2003, we have received nearly 7,000 applications, over 80 per cent of which have been approved,' he said.



Tang stresses importance of tourism, logistics and more skilled mainlanders