The Government welcomed the proposed development of the first-ever European design flower-themed garden in Hong Kong as the project, when materialised, will not only bring a new attraction for the enjoyment of our local community, but also enrich our tourism offerings, further enhancing Hong Kong's position as an international premier tourist destination.
The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Edward Yau, made the above remarks at the signing ceremony of co-operation agreements of a tourism project, the Kaleido Park, between Hong Kong-based event organiser, Mr Alan Fang, and Dutch floriculture expert, Mr Ibo Gülsen, in Noordwijkerhout, the Netherlands today (June 18, Noordwijkerhout time). Mr Yau witnessed the signing ceremony together with the Dutch Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation, Mrs Sigrid Kaag.
"The European-themed Kaleido Park will be the first-of-its-kind project in Hong Kong, offering visitors unique horticultural experience through breath-taking floral displays. It is a timely initiative to enrich the travelling experience in Hong Kong with 'garden tourism'. It is in line with the Government's policy of diversifying our tourism products with international appeal," Mr Yau said.
"We understand that the Kaleido Park organiser is considering locating the flower park at the site reserved for Hong Kong Disneyland Resort's possible Phase 2 development (the Phase 2 site). We welcome any tourism initiatives which helps put the Phase 2 site into gainful short-term uses. We will work closely with the Netherlands as well as the Kaleido Park to facilitate bringing this project into fruition," he said.
Before attending the signing ceremony, Mr Yau had a bilateral meeting with Mrs Kaag to exchange views on trade-related issues. Both of them were pleased to see more trade co-operations between Hong Kong and the Netherlands bearing fruits.
Mr Yau also toured a Dutch flower company which supplies flower bulbs worldwide and will support the flower production for the proposed Kaleido Park.
Mr Yau will later proceed to visit Paleis Het Loo in Apeldoorn to learn about the operation of flower parks and the concept of "garden tourism". Formerly a royal palace, Paleis Het Loo is now a museum open to the public with baroque gardens.
Mr Yau will depart for Paris this evening to join part of the Chief Executive's visit programme to France. He will attend the Hong Kong-Guangdong-Macao Joint Promotion Seminar on Bay Area Development and the Belt and Road Seminar on June 20 (Paris time).
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