Leaders laud reforms for economic growth and welfare improvements
Political and business leaders say they believe the forward-thinking and transformative policies unveiled in the 2024 Policy Address will invigorate industries, spur economic growth, and enhance societal welfare, while advocating for practical actions to ensure the policies achieve their desired effects.
Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu delivered the third Policy Address of his five-year term on Wednesday. Titled “Reform for Enhancing Development and Building Our Future Together”, the address proposes various measures to deepen reforms, drive the economy and improve residents’ well-being.
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Lawmaker Gary Chan Hak-kan, chairperson of the city’s biggest political party, the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong (DAB), said the Policy Address prioritizes the people, proposing various measures to address livelihood issues.
These include optimizing a balloting mechanism for Home Ownership Scheme applications and cracking down on substandard subdivided units.
Chan also expressed support for measures aimed at attracting international high-end talent, saying he believes these will benefit Hong Kong in exploring new development opportunities while aligning with the nation’s deepening reforms and modernization needs.
Regarding the measures to safeguard national security, such as training district-based teachers and launching more national education activities, he described them as instrumental in fostering a stable societal environment. He added that although Hong Kong has completed the legislation on the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance, efforts to safeguard national security must persist.
The Business and Professionals Alliance for Hong Kong said it believes this year’s Policy Address will contribute to Hong Kong’s prosperity. The address reflects the special administrative region government’s clear recognition of the challenges Hong Kong is facing, showcasing its innovative approach to addressing them, the party said.
Vice-Chairman Jeffrey Lam Kin-fung expressed his support for a series of measures to assist the city’s small and medium-sized enterprises. He said he views the measures as efficient, timely, and well-suited to Hong Kong’s actual circumstances.
The Hong Kong Federation of Trade Unions, Hong Kong’s largest labor organization, said in a written statement that the Policy Address listened thoroughly to the voices of the public and responded effectively to those needs.
The organization commended the SAR government’s efforts to improve the conditions in subdivided units. It also welcomed the government’s policies aimed at supporting labor in enhancing skills and career development, while saying it anticipated further enhancements to labor-related policies and welfare.
Executive Council convenor Regina Ip Lau Suk-yee said the Policy Address introduced a broad range of reform initiatives, and presented rich and comprehensive content.
Being tailored to Hong Kong’s needs, the policies proposed this time are expected to uncover new economic growth points for the city, which not only address residents’ current requirements, but also plan for long-term development, she said.
She added that Executive Council non-official members will work with the authorities to implement these policies, collectively driving reform and innovation in the city.
Starry Lee Wai-king, a Hong Kong member of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, said the Policy Address provides residents with greater options in daily life and work by introducing initiatives to boost the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.
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These initiatives cover areas like mutual recognition of professional qualifications and strengthened collaboration in the medical sector. She also emphasized the SAR government’s efforts to reinstate multiple-entry endorsements to Hong Kong for Shenzhen residents, expressing optimism that these measures, upon approval from the central government, would breathe new life into Hong Kong’s retail and dining industries.
Perry Yiu Pak-leung, a legislator representing the tourism sector, highlighted the government’s strong focus on tourism industry development in the Policy Address, which includes easing visa policies to attract more tourists from neighboring Shenzhen and Association of Southeast Asian Nations member states.
However, he also pointed out persistent challenges in the tourism sector, including personnel shortages and potential issues with the hotel tax being resumed next year, urging the government to address these issues proactively.
