Harbour Business Forum
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Harbour Business Forum(海港商界論壇), Hong Kong.
In July 2004 the Business Environment Council (BEC) of Hong Kong proposed the establishment of an independent Harbour Business Forum to engage the private sector in the sustainable planning and development of the existing and new harbour-fronts, foreshore and surrounding districts within the Hong Kong Victoria Harbour.
For the first time in the history of Hong Kong, the delineation of the harbour-front is close to being finalized. With substantial reclamation no longer a material option, the focus is shifting to the limited land available on the foreshore. Such land is currently dominated by transport infrastructure, lacks vibrancy and provides limited access to the harbour itself. With an estimated 8.3 million residents and 70 million tourists by 2030, the high quality re-development of the harbour-front and foreshore areas is a critical need for Hong Kong’s future.
Eleven leading corporations have joined an initial group of founding patrons and committed funds to make the Forum a reality. To date more than 100 companies and organisations have joined as Corporate, Professional and Supporting Members. This coalition of diverse businesses aims to influence government policy and decision making with respect to the harbour and on the premise of what is in Hong Kong’s best long term economic, social and environmental interests.
These companies believe it is appropriate that a Harbour Business Forum be established to develop and present the business view to community and Government, in particular the Harbour-front Enhancement Committee (HEC), the Town Planning Board, the Transport Advisory Committee, the Legislative, Executive and District Councils, civic groups, and relevant Government bureaux and departments.
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[edit] A well-designed harbour-front and foreshore is good for business
1. A world class harbour will make Hong Kong more attractive for business, residents and tourists who will in turn spend more time and therefore more money in Hong Kong and enhance Hong Kong’s brand image.
2. A visually attractive and active Victoria Harbour for work and leisure is on the door-step of corporate headquarters in Hong Kong.
3. The development of the harbour-front and foreshore areas will provide business opportunities for professional advisors, engineers, planners, architects, real estate developers, financiers, lawyers, and so forth.
4. The management of the foreshore provides property development, facility management and other business opportunities for developers, hotel managers, retailers, entertainment operators, supply and transport providers.
[edit] Mission and Focus Areas of the Harbour Business Forum
The Harbour Business Forum has been established as a coalition formed in recognition of the mutual interest of Hong Kong businesses in focusing corporate support and resources on the strategic utilization Hong Kong’s harbour-fronts and foreshore areas.
The Harbour Business Forum will provide an independent view from outside Government as to the advantages and disadvantages of any harbour plans being proposed or implemented.
[edit] Our Mission
The Harbour is core to Hong Kong’s heritage, an international icon and a source of inspiration to those who live and work in Hong Kong.
Our mission is to see Hong Kong’s Harbour and harbour-front areas become a genuinely vibrant, accessible and sustainable world-class asset. We aim to engage with relevant stakeholders and the Government in order to agree upon, and implement, a common vision for the Harbour.
The purpose of the Harbour Business Forum is not to undertake or prepare a specific harbour master plan or plans. It is to ensure the views of the business community are heard in all forums where the future of the harbour is debated and to try to change the current planning approach such that the development of the harbour area is determined by value creation resulting in a harbour that reflects Hong Kong’s claims to be a World City.
[edit] Focus Areas of the Harbour Business Forum
Development of the harbour areas will not be a short-term project. On the basis that the Forum can prove to be relevant and cost justified in the eyes of both Government and Business, a medium and long-term lifespan is envisaged. The Forum will focus on the following areas:
====Study International Best Practice==== - We will study international best practices in harbour-front planning and we will work with professionals, academics and Government to bring such expertise as needed to Hong Kong by organizing seminars, workshops, conferences and other events.
====Review management of harbour fronts==== - We will review the international and local institutional arrangements for the design, construction, implementation and management of world-class waterfronts, and where appropriate call for changes to the current systems in Hong Kong.
====Study the value of Hong Kong's harbour==== - We will undertake a study of the value of harbour-front enhancement in other locales, and the potential environmental, social and economic value of Hong Kong’s harbour and harbour-front.
====Respond to Government and other bodies==== - As a coalition, we will respond to Government initiatives relating to harbour development. We will initially review and comment on the Harbour Planning Principles and Harbour Plan Review. We will stress the need for holistic and integrated planning, and for the assessment of all territorial needs both on and around the harbour.
