Lawmakers across political spectrum grill administration on HK$11 billion expansion for Hong Kong Disneyland
Commerce minister Greg So defends government’s 53pc stake in Lantau theme park, calling it a ‘strategic tourism infrastructure investment’
Lawmakers from across the political spectrum on Monday questioned the justification for injecting HK$5.8 billion of taxpayers’ money into Hong Kong Disneyland’s expansion project, with some urging the city to diversify its tourist offerings.
But commerce minister Greg So Kam-leung cited the government’s control of the Lantau park through 53 per cent of its shareholding, insisting that the authorities must “have a say” in the park’s future development. The administration had no plans to reduce its stake or exit the investment, he added.
The three-hour panel discussion in the Legislative Council was the first time the government had presented the HK$10.9 billion expansion plan to lawmakers.
“The future development of Disneyland will have to be coordinated with the government’s policies to promote tourism,” So said. This could create job opportunities and boost business for retailers, hotels and restaurants.
“We think it is necessary for the government to reserve the discourse rights on the development of the park,” he said.
The commerce secretary’s explanation was challenged by both pro-establishment and pan-democratic lawmakers, with many doubting if any decision on the park had ever gone in favour of the government rather than Disney.