Keep Us Strong WikiLeaks logo

Currently released so far... 97115 / 251,287

Articles

Browse latest releases

Browse by creation date

Browse by origin

A B C D F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W Y Z

Browse by tag

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
ETRD EAGR ETTC EAID ECON EFIN ECIN EINV ELAB EAIR ENRG EPET EWWT ECPS EIND EMIN ELTN EC ETMIN EUC EZ ET ELECTIONS ENVR EU EUN EG EINT ER ECONOMICS ES EMS ENIV EEB EN ECE ECOSOC EK ENVIRONMENT EFIS EI EWT ENGRD ECPSN EXIM EIAD ERIN ECPC EDEV ENGY ECTRD EPA ESTH ECCT EINVECON ENGR ERTD EUR EAP EWWC ELTD EL EXIMOPIC EXTERNAL ETRDEC ESCAP ECO EGAD ELNT ECONOMIC ENV ETRN EIAR EUMEM ENRGPARMOTRASENVKGHGPGOVECONTSPLEAID EREL ECOM ECONETRDEAGRJA ETCC ETRG ECONOMY EMED ETR ENERG EITC EFINOECD EURM EENG ERA EXPORT ENRD ECONEINVETRDEFINELABETRDKTDBPGOVOPIC EGEN EBRD EVIN ETRAD ECOWAS EFTA ECONETRDBESPAR EGOVSY EPIN EID ECONENRG EDRC ESENV ETT EB ENER ELTNSNAR ECHEVARRIA ETRC EPIT EDUC ESA EFI ENRGY ESCI EE EAIDXMXAXBXFFR EETC ECIP EIAID EIVN EBEXP ESTN EING EGOV ETRA EPETEIND ELAN ETRDGK EAIDRW ETRDEINVECINPGOVCS EPEC ENVI ELN EAG EPCS EPRT EPTED ETRB EUM EAIDS EFIC EFINECONEAIDUNGAGM EAIDAR ESF EIDN ELAM EDU EV EAIDAF ECN EDA EXBS EINTECPS ENRGTRGYETRDBEXPBTIOSZ EPREL EAC EINVEFIN ETA EAGER EINDIR ECA ECLAC ELAP EITI EUCOM ECONEFINETRDPGOVEAGRPTERKTFNKCRMEAID EARG ELDIN EINVKSCA ENNP EFINECONCS EFINTS ECCP ETC EAIRASECCASCID EINN ETRP EAIDNI EFQ ECOQKPKO EGPHUM EBUD ECONEINVEFINPGOVIZ ENERGY ELB EINDETRD EMI ECONEFIN EIB EURN ETRDEINVTINTCS EIN EFIM ETIO ELAINE EMN EATO EWTR EIPR EINVETC ETTD ETDR EIQ ECONCS EPPD ENRGIZ EISL ESPINOSA ELEC EAIG ESLCO EUREM ENTG ERD EINVECONSENVCSJA EEPET EUNCH ECINECONCS ETRO ETRDECONWTOCS ECUN EFND EPECO EAIRECONRP ERGR ETRDPGOV ECPN ENRGMO EPWR EET EAIS EAGRE EDUARDO EAGRRP EAIDPHUMPRELUG EICN ECONQH EVN EGHG ELBR EINF EAIDHO EENV ETEX ERNG ED
KMDR KPAO KPKO KJUS KCRM KGHG KFRD KWMN KDEM KTFN KHIV KGIC KIDE KSCA KNNP KHUM KIPR KSUM KISL KIRF KCOR KRCM KPAL KWBG KN KS KOMC KSEP KFLU KPWR KTIA KSEO KMPI KHLS KICC KSTH KMCA KVPR KPRM KE KU KZ KFLO KSAF KTIP KTEX KBCT KOCI KOLY KOR KAWC KACT KUNR KTDB KSTC KLIG KSKN KNN KCFE KCIP KGHA KHDP KPOW KUNC KDRL KV KPREL KCRS KPOL KRVC KRIM KGIT KWIR KT KIRC KOMO KRFD KUWAIT KG KFIN KSCI KTFIN KFTN KGOV KPRV KSAC KGIV KCRIM KPIR KSOC KBIO KW KGLB KMWN KPO KFSC KSEAO KSTCPL KSI KPRP KREC KFPC KUNH KCSA KMRS KNDP KR KICCPUR KPPAO KCSY KTBT KCIS KNEP KFRDCVISCMGTCASCKOCIASECPHUMSMIGEG KNNB KGCC KINR KPOP KMFO KENV KNAR KVIR KDRG KDMR KFCE KNAO KDEN KGCN KICA KIMMITT KMCC KLFU KMSG KSEC KUM KCUL KMNP KSMT KCOM KOMCSG KSPR KPMI KRAD KIND KCRP KAUST KWAWC KTER KCHG KRDP KPAS KITA KTSC KPAOPREL KWGB KIRP KJUST KMIG KLAB KTFR KSEI KSTT KAPO KSTS KLSO KWNN KPOA KHSA KNPP KPAONZ KBTS KWWW KY KJRE KPAOKMDRKE KCRCM KSCS KWMNCI KESO KWUN KPLS KIIP KEDEM KPAOY KRIF KGICKS KREF KTRD KFRDSOCIRO KTAO KJU KWMNPHUMPRELKPAOZW KEN KO KNEI KEMR KKIV KEAI KWAC KRCIM KWCI KFIU KWIC KCORR KOMS KNNO KPAI KBWG KTTB KTBD KTIALG KILS KFEM KTDM KESS KNUC KPA KOMCCO KCEM KRCS KWBGSY KNPPIS KNNPMNUC KWN KERG KLTN KALM KCCP KSUMPHUM KREL KGH KLIP KTLA KAWK KWMM KVRP KVRC KAID KSLG KDEMK KX KIF KNPR KCFC KFTFN KTFM KPDD KCERS KMOC KDEMAF KMEPI KEMS KDRM KEPREL KBTR KEDU KNP KIRL KNNR KMPT KISLPINR KTPN KA KJUSTH KPIN KDEV KTDD KAKA KFRP KWNM KTSD KINL KJUSKUNR KWWMN KECF KWBC KPRO KVBL KOM KFRDKIRFCVISCMGTKOCIASECPHUMSMIGEG KEDM KFLD KLPM KRGY KNNF KICR KIFR KM KWMNCS KAWS KLAP KPAK KDDG KCGC KID KNSD KMPF KPFO KDP KCMR KRMS KNPT KNNNP KTIAPARM KDTB KNUP KPGOV KNAP KNNC KUK KSRE KREISLER KIVP KQ KTIAEUN KPALAOIS KRM KISLAO KWM KFLOA
PHUM PINR PTER PGOV PREL PREF PL PM PHSA PE PARM PINS PK PUNE PO PALESTINIAN PU PBTS PROP PTBS POL POLI PA PGOVZI POLMIL POLITICAL PARTIES POLM PD POLITICS POLICY PAS PMIL PINT PNAT PV PKO PPOL PERSONS PING PBIO PH PETR PARMS PRES PCON PETERS PRELBR PT PLAB PP PAK PDEM PKPA PSOCI PF PLO PTERM PJUS PSOE PELOSI PROPERTY PGOVPREL PARP PRL PNIR PHUMKPAL PG PREZ PGIC PBOV PAO PKK PROV PHSAK PHUMPREL PROTECTION PGOVBL PSI PRELPK PGOVENRG PUM PRELKPKO PATTY PSOC PRIVATIZATION PRELSP PGOVEAIDUKNOSWGMHUCANLLHFRSPITNZ PMIG PREC PAIGH PROG PSHA PARK PETER POG PHUS PPREL PS PTERPREL PRELPGOV POV PKPO PGOVECON POUS PGOVPRELPHUMPREFSMIGELABEAIDKCRMKWMN PWBG PMAR PREM PAR PNR PRELPGOVEAIDECONEINVBEXPSCULOIIPBTIO PARMIR PGOVGM PHUH PARTM PN PRE PTE PY POLUN PPEL PDOV PGOVSOCI PIRF PGOVPM PBST PRELEVU PGOR PBTSRU PRM PRELKPAOIZ PGVO PERL PGOC PAGR PMIN PHUMR PVIP PPD PGV PRAM PINL PKPAL PTERE PGOF PINO PHAS PODC PRHUM PHUMA PREO PPA PEPFAR PGO PRGOV PAC PRESL PORG PKFK PEPR PRELP PREFA PNG PGOVPHUMKPAO PRELECON PINOCHET PFOR PGOVLO PHUMBA PRELC PREK PHUME PHJM POLINT PGOVPZ PGOVKCRM PGOVE PHALANAGE PARTY PECON PEACE PROCESS PLN PRELSW PAHO PEDRO PRELA PASS PPAO PGPV PNUM PCUL PGGV PSA PGOVSMIGKCRMKWMNPHUMCVISKFRDCA PGIV PRFE POGOV PEL PBT PAMQ PINF PSEPC POSTS PHUMPGOV PVOV PHSAPREL PROLIFERATION PENA PRELTBIOBA PIN PRELL PGOVPTER PHAM PHYTRP PTEL PTERPGOV PHARM PROTESTS PRELAF PKBL PRELKPAO PKNP PARMP PHUML PFOV PERM PUOS PRELGOV PHUMPTER PARAGRAPH PERURENA PBTSEWWT PCI PETROL PINSO PINSCE PQL PEREZ PBS

Browse by classification

Community resources

courage is contagious

Viewing cable 07HONGKONG2790, CONSUL GENERAL AND TRANSPORT SECRETARY CHENG

If you are new to these pages, please read an introduction on the structure of a cable as well as how to discuss them with others. See also the FAQs

Understanding cables
Every cable message consists of three parts:
  • The top box shows each cables unique reference number, when and by whom it originally was sent, and what its initial classification was.
  • The middle box contains the header information that is associated with the cable. It includes information about the receiver(s) as well as a general subject.
  • The bottom box presents the body of the cable. The opening can contain a more specific subject, references to other cables (browse by origin to find them) or additional comment. This is followed by the main contents of the cable: a summary, a collection of specific topics and a comment section.
To understand the justification used for the classification of each cable, please use this WikiSource article as reference.

Discussing cables
If you find meaningful or important information in a cable, please link directly to its unique reference number. Linking to a specific paragraph in the body of a cable is also possible by copying the appropriate link (to be found at theparagraph symbol). Please mark messages for social networking services like Twitter with the hash tags #cablegate and a hash containing the reference ID e.g. #07HONGKONG2790.
Reference ID Created Released Classification Origin
07HONGKONG2790 2007-11-08 09:28 2011-08-23 00:00 UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY Consulate Hong Kong
VZCZCXRO1210
RR RUEHCN RUEHGH
DE RUEHHK #2790/01 3120928
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 080928Z NOV 07
FM AMCONSUL HONG KONG
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 3378
INFO RUEHBJ/AMEMBASSY BEIJING 1630
RUEHCN/AMCONSUL CHENGDU 1211
RUEHGZ/AMCONSUL GUANGZHOU 0928
RUEHGH/AMCONSUL SHANGHAI
RUEHSH/AMCONSUL SHENYANG 3664
RUEHIN/AIT TAIPEI 4731
UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 03 HONG KONG 002790 
 
SIPDIS 
 
SENSITIVE 
SIPDIS 
 
STATE FOR EAP/CM 
STATE FOR EEB/TRA/AN 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: ECON EAIR EWWT ELTN CH HK
SUBJECT: CONSUL GENERAL AND TRANSPORT SECRETARY CHENG 
DISCUSS INFRASTRUCTURE AS COMPETITIVE TOOL 
 
REF: A. HONG KONG 2428 
     B. HONG KONG 2587 
     C. 2006 HONG KONG 4449 
 
1. (SBU) Summary: Transport and Housing Secretary Eva Cheng 
told CG Cunningham that the Transport Bureau is focused on 
six-large scale infrastructure projects that will 
strategically shape Hong Kong's future competitiveness, while 
expanding land, sea and air links to mainland China.  She 
stated that cross-border projects between the three 
governments (Hong Kong, Macau and Guangdong Province), such 
as the Hong Kong-Macau-Zhuhai Bridge, will enhance regional 
trade and economic development.  She also noted that growing 
competition in the region, specifically Macau's emergence, is 
putting additional pressure on the HKG.  The CG urged Cheng 
to restart the U.S.-Hong Kong aviation services agreement 
negotiations in the near future.  Secretary Cheng responded 
by saying that the HKG would welcome discussions when both 
governments agree the timing is right, noting, "it is the 
government's responsibility to expand and optimize air 
infrastructure to maintain a competitive edge."  She is 
closely watching the neighboring competition as FedEx moves 
its regional air cargo operations into Baiyun Airport in 
Guangzhou in 2008.  End summary. 
 
2. (SBU) Comment: Secretary Cheng is a well-respected civil 
servant, with extensive experience in the HKG, most recently 
serving as Permanent Secretary for Economic Development and 
Labour.  In her new role, she and her staff are intensely 
focused on Hong Kong's competitiveness, versus Macau and in 
the region.  Cheng recognizes her bureau's role in 
maintaining Hong Kong's edge through the effective and timely 
development of these infrastructure projects and services, 
while expanding links to the Pearl River Delta and Southern 
China.  She is understood to have the full confidence of the 
Chief Executive, and will be a leader to watch during this 
five-year Administration.  End comment. 
 
3. (U) Background: On July 1, as part of the Hong Kong 
Government's reorganization of the cabinet structure, the 
former Bureau of Environment, Transport and Works was divided 
into an Environment Bureau and a restructured Transport and 
Housing Bureau.  Eva Cheng was designated as the new 
Secretary for Transport and Housing.  On October 10, HKG 
 
SIPDIS 
Chief Executive Donald Tsang delivered his annual Policy 
Address, highlighting "economic development through 
infrastructure projects," as a top HKG priority, and 
identifying ten large-scale projects expected to generate 
economic benefits of HKD$100 billion annually, and create 
over 250,000 additional jobs (reftel B). 
 
------------------------ 
Linkage to the Mainland 
------------------------ 
4. (SBU)  The Consul General opened the October 29 meeting by 
noting that in the Chief Executive's October Policy Address, 
the Transport Bureau would play a significant role in the 
Hong Kong 2007-2012 policy agenda.  Secretary Cheng confirmed 
that six priority large-scale infrastructure projects were 
the Transport Bureau's responsibility, including several 
major "strategic" cross-boundary projects: 
Guangdong-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link, and the Hong 
Kong-Macau-Zhuhai Bridge. 
 
--Guangdong-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link: A 
high-speed rail connecting the three cities, with the Hong 
Kong portion originating in West Kowloon, extending 30km to 
the mainland border, and linking to the mainland national 
high-speel rail network (planned for 12,000km in total).  The 
goal of both governments is to reduce transport time between 
Hong Kong and Guangzhou to less than one hour -- it is 
currently 100 minutes.  Construction on the mainland-side is 
already underway, and the Kowloon-Canton Railway has been 
invited to begin planning service for the project. 
Anticipated initiation of operations is in 2009. 
 
--Hong Kong-Macau-Zhuhai Bridge:  The 35km bridge, spanning 
the Pearl River Mouth (Zhujiang Kou), will connect Hong Kong 
with the Western Pearl River Delta, both in Macau and Zhuhai. 
 The goal is to shorten travel time and distance, while 
simultaneously yielding economic development for the Pearl 
River West, and strengthening regional tourism and transport. 
 
HONG KONG 00002790  002 OF 003 
 
 
 Each of the three governments (Hong Kong, Macau and 
Guangdong Province) is responsible for funding and building 
their portion of the connecting infrastructure, and the main 
structure has a toll mechanism included in the revenue 
stream, but substantial additional funds are needed for 
project completion. 
 
5. (SBU)  The CG inquired specifically about the bridge, as 
it has been planned for over a decade, and explosive growth 
makes the connection more needed than ever before.  Secretary 
Cheng explained that almost everyone has underestimated the 
complexity of this project.  The will to pursue the project 
has been present for some time, but the land, sea and air 
issues are extensive, and each of the governments involved 
has numerous and competing priorities.  Secretary Cheng 
indicated that step-by-step the project is moving in the 
right direction. The feasibility study is nearly complete, 
and discussion continues about how to engage private sector 
and community financing.  (NOTE: HKG Chief Secretary Henry 
Tang was in Beijing during the last week of October to 
discuss cross-border infrastructure issues, including the 
Express Rail Link and Bridge.  END NOTE.) 
 
------------------------------------- 
Macau SAR Competition and Sea Linkage 
------------------------------------- 
6. (SBU) As visitor growth to Macau continues to burgeon, 
expanded ferry service has fast become a necessity, and the 
Macau Government has responded by opening a new temporary 
ferry terminal on Taipa island in Macau.  This marine 
terminal provides service to the adjacent Macau International 
Airport, and the neighboring U.S.-owned casinos of the Cotai 
Strip.  While already in possession of permits to operate in 
Macau, Cotai Waterjets, the new ferry company associated with 
The Venetian/Las Vegas Sands in Macau, is awaiting the HKG 
Transport Bureau's permission to utilize the HKG-operated 
ferry terminal on Hong Kong island for its Cotai-Hong Kong 
ferry service.  The CG inquired as to the reason for the 
perceived delay in permit issuance, and a date for resolution 
of the application.  Secretary Cheng explained that the HKG 
was processing the request and berthing slots would be open 
within several weeks.  The existing terminal is limited in 
space and currently is home to only one ferry company 
operator, Hong Kong tycoon Stanley Ho's Shun Tak.  The move 
to a multi-operator terminal is taking time, Cheng said, 
"safety, continued mainland-bound ferry service, and balanced 
connectivity are high priorities as the HKG tries to provide 
first-class service to more and more upscale passengers.  It 
is good that they (Macau) are keeping us on our toes."  She 
added that Hong Kong transportation and infrastructure 
operations will be greatly affected by the growth in Macau 
MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) 
business. 
 
---------------------- 
Air Services Agreement 
---------------------- 
7. (SBU) The CG told Cheng that in October 2006 Consulate 
Officers delivered a request from the State Department's 
Office of Aviation Negotiations to Hong Kong's Chief Aviation 
Negotiator to re-start the U.S.-Hong Kong aviation services 
negotiations.  Hong Kong's tepid response indicated that the 
HKG did not see this issue as a top priority (reftel C). 
(NOTE: The last substantive discussion between USG and HKG 
negotiators was in 2005 and resulted in no progress.  The 
U.S.-Hong Kong Aviation Services Agreement was last revised 
in 2002. END NOTE.)  The CG urged Cheng to restart the 
negotiations in the near future.  Secretary Cheng responded 
by saying that the HKG would welcome discussions when both 
governments agree the timing is right.  She went on to say 
that the third and fourth freedoms have gone well, and fifth 
freedoms are the next step in capacity, and "it is the 
government's responsibility to expand and optimize air 
infrastructure to maintain a competitive edge."  HKG's 
negotiator in any future aviation talks would be Esmond Lee, 
Deputy Secretary for Transport. 
 
8. (SBU) The Transport Bureau is closely watching regional 
competitiveness in the sector, particularly in transit of air 
cargo.  Secretary Cheng mentioned that she is interested to 
see how FedEx does at Baiyun International Airport in 
Guangzhou. (NOTE: FedEx is moving its Asia hub from Subic Bay 
 
HONG KONG 00002790  003 OF 003 
 
 
in the Philippines to a $150 million, 155-acre facility at 
Baiyun in late 2008.  END NOTE.) 
 
9. (U) Meeting participants included: 
 
Hong Kong Government Representatives 
--Secretary for Transport and Housing Eva Cheng 
--Esmond Lee, Deputy Secretary for Transport 
--Kwok Ming Fung, Master Mariner and Chief Assistant 
Secretary for Transport 
 
SIPDIS 
 
U.S. Representatives 
--Consul General James Cunningham 
--Dawn Schrepel, Economic Officer 
Cunningham