Owing to our remarkable success in the campaign of zero wine tax, Hong Kong has already surpassed London to become the second largest wine auction centre in the world.  In my speech responding to the Budget 2010-2011 on 14 April 2010, I remarked that the Administration should not be contented with the present situation but instead we should take this opportunity to conduct a more long-term planning and manpower study to further develop the wine industry.

    On one hand, a bill to permanently remove duties levied on beer and wine should be expeditiously introduced, so as to put the industry at ease when they make long-term investments.  On the other hand, duty rates on spirits from the current 100% should be reduced to 50%, so that a balanced development for the wine industry can be achieved.

    I believe that the wine industry can further promote local economy, in particular, our catering industry.  That is why I propose the set up of wine-related businesses such as wine cellars, wine tasting and dining facilities in industrial buildings.  I asked the Government for refining the revitalization measures of industrial buildings, studying how to help other industries with less capital to succeed in applying for converting some floors of industrial buildings.