Upon the phased completion of a planned transport network, the new cruise terminal at the Kai Tak development site and neighboring districts will be more closely connected, enhancing economic benefits, the city's Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Gregory So said Wednesday.

Hong Kong's Kai Tak Development is a mega-scale development project spanning a total planning area of over 320 hectares, covering the ex-airport site in Kowloon and the adjoining hinterland districts. The new cruise terminal is part of the development project.

In a written reply to the Hong Kong Legislative Council, So said the government will continue to co-operate closely with major cruise companies and the Hong Kong Tourism Board to attract more cruise vessels to Hong Kong.

He said more resources will be allocated to the Tourism Board to strengthen its co-operation with cruise lines to promote Hong Kong's cruise market, and to lengthen the stay of cruise liners and tourists in Hong Kong through collaborative efforts with the travel trade in developing more diversified shore-excursion programs.

It would also continue to strengthen the co-operation with nearby ports to enhance the regional cruise market's potential.

The new cruise terminal is expected to be commissioned in 2013.