Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu (fourth right) attends the second 2023 Policy Address District Forum with principal officials at the Sha Tin Government Secondary School to listen to views and suggestions of local community members on the upcoming Policy Address on Aug 27, 2023. (PHOTO / HKSAR GOVERNMENT)

HONG KONG - Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu emphasized on Sunday the importance of ideas and insights from members of the public in setting the priorities of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government as he attended a district forum on the upcoming Policy Address.

Lee and his team of 21 principal officials listened to the views and suggestions from members of local communities during the forum held at Sha Tin Government Secondary School. About 120 people from all walks of life attended the consultation meeting.

In the first session, Lee and the principal officials listened to views of members of the public on topics such as land and housing, transport, finance and trade, arts and culture, employment, education, youth, poverty alleviation, healthcare and social welfare

"My team and I have gained a lot and received many valuable views from the District Forums conducted today and last week. I would like to express my gratitude to the participants for offering their insights and ideas,” Lee said. 

“The matters of their concern are important reference for us in setting policy directions and priorities. We will continue to press ahead with various measures to improve people's livelihood and bring Hong Kong's development to a new level, and to work together with everyone to build a better home,” he added.

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The forum lasted two hours. In the first session, Lee and the principal officials listened to views of members of the public on topics such as land and housing, transport, finance and trade, arts and culture, employment, education, youth, poverty alleviation, healthcare and social welfare.

In the second session, participants were divided into four groups with the themes of "Boosting Economy" and "People's Livelihood" to engage in extensive discussions with the principal officials. Lee talked with members of the public of each group and listened to their views.

"The government has held more than 30 consultation sessions so far for the 2023 Policy Address, including the two District Forums, to tap the views and suggestions of members of the public and representatives from different sectors on the Policy Address,” Lee said. 

Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu (third right) attends the second 2023 Policy Address District Forum with principal officials at the Sha Tin Government Secondary School to listen to views and suggestions of local community members on the upcoming Policy Address on Aug 27, 2023. (PHOTO / HKSAR GOVERNMENT)

“My team and I will continue to meet with representatives from different sectors and visit different districts to listen to their views. We will do our utmost for the people's livelihood and the economy," he added.

The 2023 Policy Address will be delivered on Oct 25. Last Sunday, Lee and the city's principal officials also attended a district forum on the Policy Address at the Aldrich Bay Government Primary School in Shau Kei Wan.

READ MORE: HKSAR govt starts consultation for policy address

Members of the public can continue to give their views through various channels, including the Policy Address dedicated website and social media platforms or by phone, email, fax or post.