The leader of Hong Kong has revealed that his upcoming policy speech, scheduled for this week, will concentrate on advancing reforms, strengthening the economy, and improving living conditions by utilizing the city's advantages.
Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu additionally mentioned that he decided to maintain green as the central color theme, explaining that it represents energy and long-term viability, and demonstrates the city's ongoing dynamism toward a "more promising tomorrow".
“The theme of the policy address is deepening reforms for our people, leveraging our strengths for a brighter future,” Lee said before a meeting of the city’s top decision-making body, the Executive Council.
“The central purpose is to improve the economy and livelihood, as reflected in my previous policy addresses … The government will implement the blueprint’s philosophy.”
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He stated that the policy address was created following officials' participation in over 40 consultation sessions and direct community engagement, noting that the government additionally collected 10,100 written submissions.
Lee requested public backing for his policy address, mentioning that he and his administration would clarify their short, medium and long-range policies to citizens.
In the previous year, Hong Kong's Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu presented his third policy statement during his five-year tenure to the Legislative Council, placing notable focus on tourism development, housing issues, and specific reforms.
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He committed to maintaining implementation of the "four proposals" introduced by President Xi Jinping during his July 1, 2022 address in the special administrative region.
Further he anticipated that Hong Kong would maximize the institutional advantages of "one country, two systems" while strengthening its position as a global financial, shipping and commercial hub and expanding cooperation within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA).
As an additional measure to boost tourism, Lee announced that visitors would no longer be required to complete entry and exit forms, while outlining various strategies to draw international tourists, particularly from Middle Eastern countries. The policy address proposed initiatives including distributing public information in Arabic and providing cultural awareness training. Additionally, citizens of Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar applying for multiple-entry visas for tourism and business purposes will benefit from eased requirements.
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Lee mentioned that mainland authorities had been asked to evaluate reinstating multiple-entry travel permits for Shenzhen residents and expanding the number of cities eligible for "one trip per week" individual visit endorsements.