Hong Kong's Chief Executive Tung Chee Hwa told the chairman of the Walt Disney on Thursday that much progress had been made in building Mickey and Minnie's new home in Hong Kong.
At a reception held at Government House to welcome Michael Eisner, chairman and chief executive officer of the Walt Disney Company, Tung said he was excited to see "the future home of Mickey and Minnie is gradually taking shape."
Tung said the Hong Kong government clearly recognized tourism as a major factor in helping them through its economic restructuring and as a major provider of jobs. "Indeed, we are working on improving existing tourist attractions as well as developing new ones all around the territory, but obviously Disney project is the key and is the core of all our projects."
When Disney opens in just four years' time, it will bring an additional 1.4 million tourists to Hong Kong in the first 12 months alone, and many more in the years to follow. Additionally, 18,000 new jobs will be created for the local community.
Twenty months ago, Hong Kong announced that together with Walt Disney, a theme park will be built at Penny's Bay on Lantau Island.
(Xinhua News Agency 08/30/2001)
