On October 17, the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office of the State Council released an article titled “Chief Executive John Lee’s Policy Address Highlights Reform and Progress for the People.” Here’s what the article conveyed:
On October 16, Chief Executive John Lee delivered his third policy address since taking office, capturing significant attention from both Hong Kong society and the international community. The diverse responses to this address reflect a steadfast commitment by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) government to reform, advance, and benefit its citizens.
**Emphasizing Reform and Determination**
During his campaign for Chief Executive, John Lee explicitly stated the need for a “spirit of reform.” After assuming office, he has led the new SAR government in making substantial progress across various initiatives. In this recent policy address, he reiterated the need for “continuous progress and self-renewal,” and emphasized the importance of recognizing changes, seeking transformations, adhering to principles while being innovative, and responding flexibly to challenges and opportunities. He stated that “reform is a process that is ongoing, not completed.”
Lee articulated his reform philosophy, advocating for a systematic approach that balances the broader context with local specifics, current needs with long-term objectives, and macro perspectives with micro considerations. He underscored the necessity to establish missing components in the system, correct serious deficiencies, break through bottlenecks, eliminate obstacles, and strengthen areas that need consolidation. The address introduced numerous innovative strategies and measures, highlighting a strong awareness of reform; in fact, the term “reform” was mentioned over 40 times. Commentators noted that the policy address aligns with the third plenary session of the 20th Central Committee of the Chinese Communist Party, furthering the agenda for deeper reforms, reflecting society’s aspirations for development through reform, and illustrating the SAR government’s determination and resolve to innovate.
**Leveraging Advantages for Development**
Chief Executive Lee’s policy address is closely aligned with national development strategies and Hong Kong’s positioning for growth. It focuses on consolidating and elevating Hong Kong’s status as an international financial, shipping, and trade hub, developing new quality productive forces tailored to local conditions, creating a center for high-end talent aggregation, promoting the integration of culture, sports, and tourism, and fostering a diverse economy. The address also outlines plans for developing the Northern Metropolis and deepening cooperation within the Greater Bay Area, aiming to uncover new economic growth drivers, all while conscientiously leveraging the “one country, two systems” principle and Hong Kong’s unique functions.
For instance, in finance, the administration aims to enhance Hong Kong’s position as the largest offshore RMB hub globally, while capitalizing on its leading position in gold import and export to build an international gold trading center. In shipping, plans are underway to accelerate the development of a green shipping hub and establish an ecosystem for commodity trading. In trade, the creation of a high-value supply chain service center is expected to attract more domestic and international companies to establish headquarters or branches in Hong Kong. Many in Hong Kong view the address as offering a clear vision and direction for future development, with a coherent and integrative approach that builds on previous policy initiatives, providing important guidance for sustaining momentum in the region’s growth.
**Focusing on Citizen Well-Being and Responsibility**
Over the past two years, Chief Executive Lee and the current SAR government have placed the utmost priority on enhancing people’s livelihoods and happiness. In this policy address, significant measures are proposed to address pressing social issues such as land and housing, transportation, healthcare, poverty alleviation, youth development, and labor support. Particularly concerning the widely-recognized housing problem, the government aims to reduce waiting times for public housing by increasing available land and introducing “simple public housing.” Moreover, legislation to regulate the rental of subdivided units is being proposed, transforming these into standardized “basic housing” options to effectively mitigate the longstanding “subdivided flat” crisis, which has garnered widespread approval. Many individuals recognized the breakthroughs made in addressing key social issues, highlighting a true commitment to placing the people first, reflecting a responsible and proactive approach from Chief Executive Lee and his team.
Instant polling conducted on the same day indicated that over 70% of citizens expressed satisfaction with the policy address.
Chief Executive Lee reaffirmed on social media that the green cover of the policy address symbolizes harmony, vitality, prosperity, new energies, and fresh ideas—emphasizing that Hong Kong is moving toward a phase of revitalization. With unified support from all sectors of society, the SAR government is committed to advancing reform and development for the benefit of the people, transforming a bright vision into a glorious reality.
