Following is the transcript of remarks by the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Edward Yau, at a media session after attending a radio programme this morning (December 7):

Reporter: How do you forecast the local economy next year because you said during the programme that we have entered the winter season? That's your quote. And the second question is how do you think the United States' Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act is going to affect the local economy?

Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development: I think as we all know we are hit by double storms, with the US-China trade war affecting our general economic and trading outlook, and also the local unrest. On the US-China trade war, I hope that we are seeing some light at the end of the tunnel, with the sitting down of the two leaders and the teams, hopefully we will be having some easing on that tension, which will create a better environment for us hopefully in the new year.

     As to the local unrest, I hope the restoration of law and order could provide a better environment for the hard-hit sectors. By and large you can see that the overall economy in Hong Kong is suffering, both from a bigger (economic) picture and local situation, though not necessarily across the board. Some sectors were hit much harder than others. Some others sectors like the professional services or financial services remain very much intact. So it comes back to the fundamentals, if Hong Kong can maintain its ease of doing businesses, a place where we lay out a level playing field for all, a place where law and order can be maintained, I think confidence will be able to come back. So, we are struggling, but I think we will soldier on and we will bounce back in the fullness of time.

(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)

     Police advise motorists that special traffic arrangements will be implemented in Sha Tin to facilitate the race meeting tomorrow (December 8).

     The arrangements will come into effect two hours before the start of the first race and will last until the crowds have dispersed after the race meeting.

     Appropriate traffic signs will be put up and police will be on hand to guide motorists.

     The Police also appeal to people going to Sha Tin Racecourse for the race meeting and to Happy Valley Racecourse for cross betting to make maximum use of public transport.

     Parking spaces at the two racecourses are available only to holders of appropriate permits issued by Hong Kong Jockey Club and any vehicles illegally parked will be towed away.

The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Housing Authority:
 
     As part of its continuous effort to provide quality homes to low-income families with housing needs, the Hong Kong Housing Authority (HA) has recently completed the two residential blocks of the Shek Kip Mei Estate Phase 6 redevelopment in Sham Shui Po. The intake of residents commenced yesterday (December 6).
 
     The two non-standard residential blocks are Mei Hei House and Mei Pak House, both 33 storeys high. They provide a total of 1 056 public rental housing units for about 3 700 residents. The various flat types include one/two-person, two/three-person, one-bedroom and two-bedroom units with the smallest flat size at about 14.05 square metres and the largest at about 35.8 sq m. The monthly rents range from $1,200 to $3,060.
 
     "The design layout of the blocks maximises outside views while minimising overlooking towards other blocks," a spokesman for the HA said.
 
     "To enhance tenants' accessibility and the connections of the estate facilities, a covered footbridge linking Phase 6 and Phase 2 of Shek Kip Mei Estate is provided," he said.
 
     Numerous recreational facilities are provided in Phase 6 including a badminton court, a children's play area, an elderly fitness area and chess tables for residents' enjoyment.
 
     Redevelopment of Shek Kip Mei Estate (Phase 1) was the first public rental housing estate project to adopt comprehensive universal design with an objective of providing a barrier-free living environment that allows ageing in place and integrating people with different abilities into a harmonious community. In the redevelopment of Phase 6, universal design features include doorways and passageways with a minimum width of 75 centimetres in general inside dwelling units, as well as thresholds that are lowered and bevelled to ensure easy access for those using wheelchairs or walking aids.
 
     Non-slip floor tiles, space for future grab bar installations, and lever-type sink/shower mixers and door handles are provided for the sake of home safety and convenient use for both children and the elderly. Moreover, larger buttons and switches are installed at a height within easy reach by people of different ages.
 
     Other facilities in common areas adopting universal design include easily operated self-closing doors and entrance gates, lifts with a voice synthesiser, door phones with Braille and letter boxes at a lower level for wheelchair users.
 
     Shek Kip Mei Estate Phase 6 will provide 12 shops, one market shop and 11 market shop stalls at the ground and first floors with a total lettable area of about 1,900 sq m. The commercial premises will provide shops suitable for the operation of businesses such as a Chinese restaurant, a café and a bakery to meet residents' basic daily needs.
 
     A temporary clinic under the Hospital Authority and a District Health Centre under the Food and Health Bureau are being planned for the second floor.

        

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

     During the winter surge, the Hospital Authority is closely monitoring the service demand of Accident and Emergency Departments and the occupancy rates in public hospitals. Key service statistics are being issued daily for public information. Details are in the appended table.
 

Attention TV/radio announcers:

Please broadcast the following as soon as possible:

Here is an item of interest to swimmers.

     The Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced today (December 7) that due to big waves, red flags have been hoisted at Clear Water Bay Second Beach in Sai Kung District.  Beach-goers are advised not to swim at the beach.