Hong Kong Resort Company Limited today introduced a 42-metre replica European tall ship, the Bounty, to Hong Kong with a view to promoting the use of the Hong Kong harbour to boost the City's tourist industry.

 

Mr Frederick Ma, JP, the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, officiated at an inaugural ceremony today to welcome the arrival of the Bounty and the establishment of the “Zheng He Treasure Ships & Chinese Nautical History Research Foundation”. Accompanied by Mr Victor Cha, Managing Director of HKR International Limited, and joined by other guests, Mr Ma visited the Bounty after the ceremony.

 

Speaking at the inaugural ceremony, Mr Cha said: “Through making the Bounty a new icon of Hong Kong waters, we hope that she will help remind the public that we could make good use of our harbour and maritime resources to bring in more nautical activities and develop additional tourist attractions.”

 

“Victoria Harbour is one of Hong Kong’s most valuable assets. We can take full advantage of our harbour by organising international nautical events here, such as the F1 Yacht Race and Tall Ship Parade. Such events will certainly help attract more international travellers to Hong Kong and enhance the image of our City.”

   

The Bounty will reside in Discovery Bay. She will not only add value to the HK$1.5 billion “Coastal Leisure & Entertainment Development” project there, but also become a new tourist attraction in Hong Kong. Complementing the traditional icon of Hong Kong waters, the fishing junk Duk Ling, the Bounty will add even more colour and variety to the harbour, and showcase the unique culture of Hong Kong as an international city where east meets west.

 

The Bounty has another mission. She is to serve the community through partnering with various charitable organizations. Her first mission will be to raise funds for the Children’s Cancer Foundation (CCF) in December, when she will be open to the public. All funds raised will be donated to the CCF.

 

China also had its share in creating nautical history through the ocean explorer, Zheng He (鄭和), who undertook seven expeditions through the Indian Ocean to the west over 600 years ago with a remarkably large fleet of ships and created an unprecedented achievement. Mr Cha today announced the establishment of an independent, not-for-profit “Zheng He Treasure Ships & Chinese Nautical History Research Foundation”, which aims to raise sufficient funds to build a 1:1 replica of a Zheng He Treasure Ship and contribute to the relevant research and educational activities. Mr Cha hope that with the operation of the “Zheng He Treasure Ships & Chinese Nautical History Research Foundation”, the younger generation in Hong Kong will be encouraged to learn more about Chinese nautical history, culture and values.

 

“It is our privilege that Mr James Tien, Chairman of the Hong Kong Tourism Board, has agreed to be the Foundation's Honorary Adviser,” Mr Cha said. “With his professional expertise, extensive experience in public service and excellent network, Mr Tien will surely contribute to the future development and successful operation of the Foundation.”

 

HKR International Limited will inject HK$2 million into the Foundation to support its activities. And Mr Cha called for the support from all walks of life in Hong Kong. “I look forward to the day when both the Bounty and the Zheng He Treasure Ship set sail together, to promote Hong Kong and its harbour to the world,” Mr Cha concluded.

 

 

The Bounty’s Chinese name “Chi Ming” (濟民) is in line with the word ‘bounty’ in English, implying generosity and benevolence. “Chi Ming” is also the name of HKR International Limited’s late Chairman Dr. Cha Chi Ming. So the Bounty is also a memorial to him.

 

Related News: The Bounty is coming to Discovery Bay (5 November2007)