Press Statement

The following is a statement issued today (April 23) on behalf of the newly appointed Chairman of the URA Board, Mr. Edward Cheng Wai-sun:

I am deeply honoured to be appointed the Chairman of the Board of the Urban Renewal Authority (URA) by the Chief Executive.

The work of the URA is very important to Hong Kong, not only to redevelop old districts but also to revitalise Hong Kong's urban landscape as a whole, socially, environmentally and economically. Total urban revitalisation will make Hong Kong a more attractive place to live and visit. The URA has an important role to play in this process. I look forward to working closely with members of the Board, its committee members, the management and staff, the Government and all stakeholders in the community towards this goal.

I wish to thank Dr. Lau Wah-sum for his guidance of the URA since its establishment in May 2001 for having built a new foundation for urban renewal under the "4Rs" strategy, consisting of redevelopment, rehabilitation, preservation and revitalisation. I shall endeavour to build on their achievements.

It is of paramount importance that the URA operates with the highest standards of integrity, and I shall take all necessary measures where appropriate to uphold those standards. It is also important for the URA to be efficient and effective in its business operations and at the same time be transparent, people-oriented and socially responsible in pursuing its community goals. I believe my experience in business and community service will facilitate the URA to strike this balance.

I look forward to working with all concerned in meeting the challenges ahead.