HONG KONG – The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government will focus on reforms and improving people’s livelihood and social harmony in 2025, Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said on Wednesday.

In a New Year video message posted on his official Facebook page, Lee said 2024 was a historic year for the SAR with many bright spots, including the enactment in March of national security legislation under Article 23 of the Basic Law that has reinforced Hong Kong’s role in safeguarding the national security”.

“With the support of the nation and the hard work of various sectors, Hong Kong has recovered from the pandemic and successfully restored its economic vitality,” Lee said.

He said the SAR economy continues to gain momentum with the resumption of the multiple-entry policy for Shenzhen residents to boost the city’s tourism, the commissioning of the airport’s third-runway system, the rise of mega-event economy and the two pandas gifted by the central government.

The Hong Kong Park of the Hetao Co-operation Zone will start its operation in 2025, marking a milestone for the city to become an international center of innovation and technology, he added.

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On improving people’s livelihood, Lee reiterated the government’s efforts to create land for housing development and eradicate low-quality subdivided flats.

“In 2025, about 9,500 units of light public housing will be available and the government also planned to establish three community living rooms,” he said, adding that Hong Kong’s first hospital of traditional Chinese medicine will commence its services by phases and the Mandatory Provident Fund (MPF) offsetting arrangement will cease from May 1.

“In the face of internal and external changes, Hong Kong needs to change, adapt to change and seek changes and has to act proactively to embrace the national development strategy,” the CE said, stressing that the city will also enhance cooperation with overseas economies to tap new business opportunities in emerging markets and enhance the SAR’s global influence.  

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“As long as we work together to uphold integrity and innovate, and pursue reform and development, the ‘Pearl of the Orient’ will be even more dazzling and brilliant in 2025,” Lee added.