The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region will continue to leverage its advantages under “one country, two systems”, strive to boost the economy and enhance livelihoods, Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said at a National Day reception on Tuesday.
As the People’s Republic of China celebrates the 75th anniversary of its founding, Lee extended his congratulations on this auspicious occasion at the reception held by the HKSAR government following a flag-raising ceremony at Golden Bauhinia Square in Wan Chai.
He highlighted Hong Kong’s commitment to make full use of the advantages of the motherland’s strong support and being closely connected to the world under “one country, two systems”. The city will persist in seizing the opportunities arising from national development, bolstering the economy and making its residents happier.
Stressing the SAR’s active participation in the country’s development and the mainland’s unwavering backing, Lee pointed to Hong Kong’s significant achievements in various sectors, such as finance, aviation, startup ecosystem development, and talent reserves on the global stage.
He pledged that the city will further deepen reforms for economic advancement, and continue to improve the living standards of its people, noting that local households have seen monthly income increases of about HK$2,800 ($358) - a more than 10-percent growth since his administration took office.
The chief executive said he visions a better quality of life for residents with improved housing, enhanced youth development, better elderly care and a peaceful and friendly environment to live and work in. The SAR government will persist in uniting all sectors to propel the city toward greater prosperity with tangible action, he said.
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Lee also vowed to lead Hong Kong in proactively integrating its development into that of the nation, and give full play to its roles of a “super value adder” and “super connector” in the country’s domestic-international dual-circulation economic paradigm.
To this end, Hong Kong will continue to improve its international competitiveness by dovetailing with the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the Belt and Road Initiative, and actively explore B&R markets, especially those in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and the Middle East, thereby making greater contributions to the nation’s opening up and high-quality development.
Besides the flag-raising ceremony and government reception, a grand fireworks display will illuminate Victoria Harbor on Tuesday evening - one of some 400 events organized by the SAR government and various sectors to mark National Day. Flag-raising ceremonies were also held citywide by central government offices based in the HKSAR, schools and civil groups.
Celebrations commemorating the nation's founding have been held in Hong Kong since early last month, with residents enjoying discounts for public transport, arts and cultural shows, as well as dining privileges and leisure activities.
On the eve of National Day, a captivating chorus performance enthralled audiences at the West Kowloon Cultural District.
On Tuesday, residents can enjoy discounted or complimentary rides on various forms of public transport, including trams, ferries, buses and the metro. Numerous cultural and entertainment venues will be open to the public free of charge, such as Hong Kong Wetland Park and all exhibitions at museums run by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department. The West Kowloon Cultural District Authority, Ocean Park Hong Kong, Ngong Ping 360 and Peak Tramways Company are also offering special promotions.
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All local cinemas, more than 10,000 markets and hawker stalls, as well as some 3,000 restaurants and merchants, will also offer discounts to residents.
