Chief Secretary Eric Chan on Saturday said a host of freebies and discounts that will be offered on the National Day are designed to encourage both local people and tourists to spend their money in Hong Kong. Trams, cross-harbour ferries, government-run museums and sports facilities will be free as a part of the SAR's celebrations marking the 75th anniversary of the People's Rpublic of China on October 1. Most MTR lines will offer a 25 percent discount, while restaurants and shopping malls will offer discounts as well. Speaking on a radio programme, Chan, who's standing in for Chief Executive John Lee while he visits Beijing, said visitors from the mainland are spending an average of about HK$5,000 per head on each trip to the SAR this year, down sharply from about HK$7,000 last year. He said he hopes the National Day celebrations will attract more tourists from the mainland and overseas to Hong Kong. "We hope more people can consume in Hong Kong. No matter whether you are a tourist or a local, you can enjoy the discounts. We invite mainland tourists to participate in our series of celebrations, to experience the atmosphere in Hong Kong and go to different attractions," he said. Meanwhile, Chan said Hong Kong must continue its development in a way that matches the path the nation is taking, which is crucial at a time of suppression by the United States and Western countries, who are worried about China's progress. "We have to retain our status as a trade, finance and aviation centre. But we must also develop into an innovation and technology centre, and this is in line with China's development. And when we develop technology, we need talent," he said. He said China is now focusing more on technological development, for example, by introducing electric vehicles, drones and homegrown aircraft.
