Speaking on an RTHK programme, she said the athletes were preparing well ahead of the Games, amid a stronger government commitment to subsidising their participation in international competitions and helping them gain more experience.
“In the past, we have always provided subsidies under the sport development fund for athletes to compete in major games, which usually covers about 90 percent of the costs,” Law said.
“But this year, as athletes prepare for the Asian Games, we are providing full funding.”
Law said the final number of competing athletes would be announced at the flag presentation ceremony in September.
On tourism, Law said she was “very confident” that full-year visitor numbers would hit the targeted 53 million figure.
Latest figures show 31 million visitors in the first seven months – a rise of more than 10 percent compared to the same period last year.
Law said she had been worried about tourism figures in July due to higher flight prices and frequent rain, but the figures turned out better than she expected.
“The second half of the year is traditionally a peak season for the tourist sector in Hong Kong, especially in the fourth quarter, thanks to convention and exhibition tourism, mega events, and cooler weather,” she said.
“So if we’ve already hit 31 million visitors, I’m very confident we’ll reach the target of 53.8 million by the end of the year.”
