HONG KONG – Stressing that Hong Kong is at a critical juncture of economic transformation, Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said on Tuesday that his government will play its required role to point out problems and directions, propose solutions and seek consensus.

That is why the first chapter of his third Policy Address, which was delivered last Wednesday, clearly stated the theme of “reform and embrace changes” and “advancing from stability to prosperity”, he said while talking to the media ahead of the Executive Council meeting.

“Reform is not to change for the sake of change, but to enhance governance and results. It must be adapted to the times and local conditions,” he said, emphasizing that reform is not only the responsibility of the government, but also requires the participation of “every quarter of the society”.

Reviewing his three policy addresses since taking office in 2022, Lee said each of the policy addresses were connected with one another with relevant goals and themes.

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“When this year’s Policy Address is released, the overall security in Hong Kong has been guaranteed. It is time for an ‘all-out’ effort, so we set ‘reform and change’ as the policy goal,” he said.

The Policy Address was a result of public opinions and government planning, he said, expressing his hope that the special administrative region will reach new heights with the joint efforts of all sectors of society.

Key performance indicators

Taking on the success rate of the key performance indicators he mentioned in his last year’s Policy Address, the CE reiterated that the purpose of KPIs was to ensure that the result-oriented culture will be fully established and practised in the government.

Pointing out that more than 140 KPIs had achieved results, he termed the overall performance as satisfying, with only six KPIs not able to meet the original targets.

Taxi drivers

Asked about reports that some taxi drivers overcharged passengers during the National Day Golden Week after the new Taxi-Driver-Offence Points Ordinance had come into effect, the CE said any taxi driver who violates the new law would lose 15 points and be suspended for 3 months, with license suspension for 6 months over further offense.

“Strict enforcement actions and the announcement of enforcement results will create a deterrent effect,” he said, adding that those who have been treated inappropriately can report to law enforcement agencies.

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The Transport and Logistics Bureau will conduct research on installing video cameras in taxis, he said, expressing hope that the situation will improve after the launch of a taxi fleet in the middle of next year.

Plastic-free culture

Regarding the ban on single-use plastics, he said the policy was meant to not only to have punishment but also change people's behavior.

The government will try to help residents and businesses go through the process to move smoothly to the next phase, he added.

Middle East visit

On Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po’s upcoming visit to the Middle East, the CE said he had also led a delegation of business representatives to visit the region to expand trade potentials, bringing about positive results between both sides.

Hong Kong not only sought to promote itself to the Middle East but also to countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative, including ASEAN countries and Central Asian countries, he added.

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At the same briefing, Lee said the authorities had responded swiftly to contain the problems over the deaths of monkeys at the Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens.