Food trucks good for Hong Kong
Next stop: Hong Kong?I think Financial Secretary John Tsang Chun-wah's proposal to introduce food trucks is a good idea.
First, it is a great business opportunity for investors. It may improve the quality of food by increasing the competition among food vendors. Also, more people would have access to cheaper food.
Second, it can promote tourism and stimulate Hong Kong's economy. Compared to opening a new restaurant, which means sky-high rents and a lot of other expenses, people don't need a lot of money to start a food truck business.
I support Tsang's proposal because it offers many opportunities for Hongkongers and can boost the city's economy.
Kiky Tsui Ka-ki, Yan Chai Hospital Wong Wha San Secondary School
From the Editor
Thank you for your letter, Kiky. The food truck plan is a hot topic because it offers so many wonderful possibilities. But maybe some of them are too good to be true. When you decide to go somewhere for a holiday, do you consider the food trucks? I would think not. So the idea of food trucks becoming a tourist attraction is a bit far-fetched.
Hong Kong already has severe traffic and pollution problems, so it is hard to agree that any plan which adds more vehicles to our roads is a good idea. Also, food trucks stop to serve customers - the big question is where would they stop in Hong Kong? Do we need more crowding on our pavements?
Running a restaurant and making any money out of it is a tough job in Hong Kong. Even veterans like Gordon Ramsay and Jamie Oliver are cautious about it because of the high rents. Bringing in food trucks means lower-end restaurants will be facing even more competition. This is not good.
I have to give the proposal a big thumbs down.
Susan, Editor