Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Speech by SJ at Law Society of Hong Kong’s Pro Bono and Community Service Award Presentation Ceremony 2025 (English only)
I am pleased to say that, in Hong Kong, we have a very strong tradition of providing legal aid and pro bono legal services. The response of the legal sector to the tragic fire in Tai Po provides the best evidence. To begin with, I must pay tribute to the Law Society’s swift action in establishing the temporary panel under the Emergency Free Legal Helpline for Tai Po Tragic Fire to provide preliminary free legal advice to the public. On the other hand, the Legal Aid Department announced two days ago that it has established a dedicated task force and will implement a series of support measures to assist residents and other affected persons in applying for legal aid in accordance with the statutory requirements to handle litigation and related matters. Solicitors on the legal aid panel will be heavily involved in due course. In addition, the Judiciary has also announced that all potential legal proceedings, including probate proceedings, relating to the incident will be handled with priority and expeditiously through a series of facilitative measures. At this difficult time, the whole legal sector, including lawyers and judges, are standing together with the victims and all those affected. I would strongly encourage all those in need to make use of the legal services that I have just mentioned.Issued at HKT 18:08
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HKSAR Government releases Infrastructure Bond Report 2025
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The Government released today (December 12) the Infrastructure Bond Report 2025, which sets out the allocation of the proceeds raised from infrastructure bond issuances. Since the establishment of the infrastructure bond programme, the Government has issued infrastructure bonds totaling around HK$105.2 billion equivalent (up to March 31, 2025), with an aim of leveraging market capital to support infrastructure works projects and fostering the development of the bond market.
The Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui, said, “The Infrastructure Bond Report 2025 provides comprehensive information on the allocation of proceeds raised from the Infrastructure Bond Programme. The funds raised are credited to the Capital Works Reserve Fund for investment in infrastructure projects, such as accelerating the development of the Northern Metropolis, to facilitate the early completion of projects for the good of the economy and people’s livelihood, thereby enhancing Hong Kong’s competitiveness. Infrastructure bonds also provide a safe and reliable investment option with steady returns for the public, as well as a greater ‘sense of participation’ and ‘sense of gain’ in support of infrastructure projects for Hong Kong’s long-term development.”
The proceeds raised by the Government through issuances of infrastructure bonds have been fully allocated or earmarked for infrastructure projects, including 10 major infrastructure projects in the Northern Metropolis, such as San Tin Technopole (including the Loop), Kwu Tung North/Fanling North New Development Area (NDA), Hung Shui Kiu/Ha Tsuen NDA and Yuen Long South NDA.
The Infrastructure Bond Report 2025 has been uploaded to the Government Bonds website at www.hkgb.gov.hk/en/infrastructurebond/infrastructurebondreport.html.
“Smart Parent Net” Recommendation: (Video) Growing with You Child: Sharing from Non-Chinese Speaking (NCS) Parent Ambassadors; Study Subsidy Scheme for Designated Professions/Sectors – Undergraduate (including Top-up Degree) Programmes
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 3
The Study Subsidy Scheme for Designated Professions/Sectors (SSSDP) will subsidise a total of 4 781 places in 57 undergraduate programmes, covering 3 425 places in 57 first-year-first-degree (FYFD) programmes and 1 356 places in 45 top-up degree (TUD) programmes of eight post-secondary institutions (including Hong Kong Chu Hai College, Hong Kong Metropolitan University, Hong Kong Shue Yan University, Saint Francis University, The Hang Seng University of Hong Kong, Tung Wah College, UOW College Hong Kong and Vocational Training Council – Technological and Higher Education Institute of Hong Kong) for the cohort to be admitted in the 2026/27 academic year.
The programmes and number of subsidised places, which fall under 10 disciplines with keen manpower demand, namely architecture and engineering, computer science, creative industries, financial technology, health care, insurance, logistics, sports and recreation, testing and certification, and tourism and hospitality, are determined by the Education Bureau in consultation with relevant policy bureaux and departments. The programmes include the 16 applied degrees programmes, which will receive additional subsidies, with a view to further strengthening the vocational and professional education and training progression pathway at the post-secondary level.
In the 2026/27 academic year, the annual subsidy amounts for non-laboratory-based programmes and laboratory-based programmes are up to $46,780 and $81,450 respectively. For applied degree programmes, with the additional annual subsidies, the total annual subsidy amounts will be up to $89,620 for laboratory-based applied degree programmes and $51,880 for non-laboratory-based applied degree programmes. The subsidy amounts are applicable to both new and continuing eligible students. The subsidy is tenable for the normal duration of the programmes concerned. Subsidised students will pay a tuition fee with the subsidy applied. Students in need may still apply for student financial assistance from the Student Finance Office of the Working Family and Student Financial Assistance Agency in respect of the actual amount of tuition fee payable.
Allocation of the subsidised first-year intake of the FYFD programmes will mainly go through the Joint University Programmes Admissions System (JUPAS); participating institutions are allowed to admit non-JUPAS local students via direct admission of no more than 20% of the subsidised places of each designated programme, and the non-JUPAS admission may take place in parallel with JUPAS admission. Non-JUPAS local applicants should refer to the relevant institutions’ websites for their admission arrangements including the commencement date and deadline of the application.
The subsidised places of the TUD programmes are allocated according to existing admission arrangements of the self-financing TUD programmes, i.e. through direct admission by institutions.
For details of the SSSDP, please visit www.cspe.edu.hk/sssdp.
HK to hold APEC ministers’ meeting
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government today welcomed the central government’s decision to hold the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Finance Ministers’ Meeting (FMM) 2026 in Hong Kong.
Chief Executive John Lee said the country will host APEC 2026 while Hong Kong will, for the first time, hold the APEC FMM 2026 next October.
Mr Lee said that Hong Kong is grateful for the central government’s trust and support, adding that the Hong Kong SAR Government will spare no effort in making comprehensive and meticulous preparations to support our country in successfully hosting APEC 2026.
“The Hong Kong SAR Government will leverage Hong Kong’s experience and strengths as an international financial centre to ensure the successful organisation of the FMM in Hong Kong,” he said.
“Hong Kong will also seize this opportunity to deepen international exchanges and co-operation, better integrating into and serving the overall national development.”
Financial Secretary Paul Chan also thanked the country for choosing Hong Kong to hold the FMM.
“This not only allows us to showcase Hong Kong’s comprehensive development in the economic, financial and social dimensions to participating economies and the international community but also helps deepen our collaboration with other APEC member economies, thereby fully demonstrating Hong Kong’s role as a ‘super connector’.”
As the host of APEC 2026, China will be responsible for preparing for and chairing the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting, as well as a series of ministerial and other meetings next year.
The FMM, to be held in Hong Kong, will be hosted by the Ministry of Finance, and arranged and organised by the Hong Kong SAR Government.
The Secretary for Financial Services & the Treasury will lead a dedicated task force to co-ordinate relevant planning and preparatory work.
David Lok leads fire review committee
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
(To watch the full media session with sign language interpretation, click here.)
Chief Executive John Lee today announced the appointment of Judge David Lok as chairman of the independent committee tasked with reviewing the fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po.
Mr Lee said early this month that an independent committee would be set up to conduct a comprehensive and in-depth review on the blaze, in order to reform the building work system and prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.
He revealed today that the independent committee is expected to submit its review report in nine months.
“Nine months (to submit the report) is a very challenging time indeed, but I want to solve the problem as quickly as possible.
“So I want to give what I regard as a time frame while ensuring the examination is just, they can streamline the procedure, and are given more flexibility, so that they can finish their work within the nine months.
“And I also have given them a reserve power, that is, if the independent committee considers while examining all these complicated issues, there may be one (issue) which they think, by exercising the powers given to a statutory commission of inquiry will help them complete their work, then I am very willing to consider a recommendation by the independent commission to appoint them as the commission of inquiry.”
Govt condemns US report
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government strongly disapproves of and opposes a report by the US Congressional-Executive Commission on China (CECC), which made biased, slandering and smearing remarks about the situation in Hong Kong.
In a statement, the Hong Kong SAR Government said it disapproves of the CECC’s repeated tactics to interfere in the affairs of Hong Kong through the so-called annual report, and strongly opposes the report’s absurd and untrue content regarding legislation safeguarding national security in Hong Kong.
In accordance with international law and international practice based on the Charter of the United Nations, safeguarding national security is an inherent right of all sovereign states, and many common law jurisdictions including the US, the UK, Australia and Canada have enacted legislation and implemented measures to safeguard national security, the statement said.
Regarding the offences related to seditious intention, the Hong Kong courts have ruled in different cases that the provisions on sedition are consistent with those of the Basic Law and the Hong Kong Bill of Rights on the protection of human rights, and that a proportionate and reasonable balance has been struck between safeguarding national security and protection of the freedom of speech, the statement said.
The offence is not meant to silence the expression of any opinion that is only genuine criticism of the Government based on objective facts, it added.
Regarding the custodial arrangements for Jimmy [Lai] Chee-ying mentioned in the report, the Hong KSAR Government has stated on numerous occasions that the medical services provided to him in custody are adequate and comprehensive.
The Correctional Services Department attaches great importance to the safety and health of persons-in-custody (PICs), the statement said, adding that irrespective of the PICs’ identities, ages and nationalities, the department is committed to ensuring the custodial environment is secure, safe, humane, appropriate and healthy.
The Hong Kong KSAR Government emphasised that all judicial cases are handled strictly on the basis of evidence and in accordance with the law, and that all defendants will receive a fair trial strictly in accordance with laws applicable to Hong Kong, including the National Security Law (NSL) and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance (SNSO) as protected by the Basic Law and the Hong Kong Bill of Rights.
The US report specifically mentioned cases on offences endangering national security involving Lai Chee-ying, wantonly smearing the law enforcement, prosecution and judicial organs of Hong Kong regarding the handling of the relevant cases, the statement said.
Their ulterior motives are obvious – to interfere with the judicial proceedings in the city by means of political power so as to procure a defendant’s evasion of the criminal justice process, the statement said, adding that the Hong Kong SAR Government strongly condemns such blatant attempts to undermine the rule of law of Hong Kong.
The Hong Kong SAR Government said it steadfastly safeguards the rights and freedoms enjoyed by the Hong Kong people as protected under the law, noting that since Hong Kong’s return to the motherland, the human rights in the city have always been robustly guaranteed constitutionally by both the Constitution and the Basic Law.
The statement said that since the implementation of the NSL and the SNSO, the media landscape in Hong Kong has remained vibrant, but the US report deliberately fabricated facts about freedom of the press and speech in the city.
The statement said that the US Government itself does not hesitate to take action against misleading and biased news reporting, adding that it has recently set up a webpage to list misleading and biased media reporting, some of which is described as subversive.
The US CECC’s smearing of Hong Kong using double-standards is a shameful political maneuver, the statement said.
The report’s claim that women in Hong Kong face discrimination and harassment in the workplace is another absurd accusation, as the Sex Discrimination Ordinance protects women from discrimination, sexual harassment and victimisation in the prescribed area of employment, the statement added.
14 arts projects get national funding
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
The Culture, Sports & Tourism Bureau announced today that a record high of 14 arts projects in Hong Kong are on the list to be funded by the China National Arts Fund 2026.
The projects include large-scale productions, small and medium-scale productions, visual arts creations, cultural exchanges, arts talent training, and youth in arts creation.
Secretary for Culture, Sports & Tourism Rosanna Law thanked the country for its support and recognition of the arts and culture sectors in Hong Kong.
She also congratulated the 14 selected Hong Kong arts projects.
“The projects selected this year cover a wide variety and some of the arts groups have again gained recognition from the China National Arts Fund, fully showcasing the thriving and diversified arts and cultural achievements of Hong Kong,” she said.
Following assessments, the adjudication panel of the China National Arts Fund selected 879 projects out of 11, 523 formal applications for the 2026 list.
The China National Arts Fund was introduced in 2022 to support projects from Hong Kong and Macau. A total of 57 Hong Kong arts projects have been selected so far.
The Government has implemented a number of policy measures to support the China National Arts Fund awardees in Hong Kong, including presenting relevant projects at the Chinese Culture Festival, as well as providing funding for the projects to go global and conduct exchanges, promoting Chinese culture while telling inspiring stories of Hong Kong, the bureau added.
Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected cannabis buds and duty-not-paid cigarettes at airport
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected cannabis buds and duty-not-paid cigarettes at airport.
The arrested person has been charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug, one count of possessing duty-not-paid cigarettes and one count of failing to declare them to Customs officers. The case will be brought up at the West Kowloon Magistrates’ Court tomorrow (December 12).
Customs will continue to step up enforcement against drug trafficking activities through intelligence analysis. The department also reminds members of the public to stay alert and not to participate in drug trafficking activities for monetary return. They must not accept hiring or delegation from another party to carry controlled items into and out of Hong Kong. They are also reminded not to carry unknown items for other people.
Customs will continue to apply a risk assessment approach and focus on selecting passengers from high-risk regions for clearance to combat transnational drug trafficking activities.
Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, trafficking in a dangerous drug is a serious offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $5 million and life imprisonment.
Under the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance, cigarettes are dutiable goods to which the DCO applies. Any person who imports, deals with, possesses, sells or buys illicit cigarettes commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.
Members of the public may report any suspected drug trafficking activities to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hkIssued at HKT 22:16
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Remarks by SDEV at media session on arrangements requiring scaffold nets for external walls to be sampled on-site and tested
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
Following are the remarks by the Secretary for Development, Ms Bernadette Linn, at a media session today (December 11) on arrangements requiring scaffold nets for external walls to be sampled on-site and tested:
Reporter: How many government laboratories are doing the testing now? What are their daily testing capacities at the moment? How often will the authorities conduct ad-hoc sampling after the scaffolding measures passed the test? And importantly, is the new system legally binding? What are the consequences for non-compliance? Finally, how exactly will the CIC assist the industry financially? As you just mentioned they need to bear the additional costs at the moment, are they financially viable?
Secretary for Development: Perhaps I will invite Mr Cheng (the Executive Director of the Construction Industry Council, Mr Albert Cheng) to take your third question first.
Regarding your first question about the number of laboratories currently doing the testing and in future. Currently, my understanding is that not many laboratories offer this service because there is no market since we are only introducing this new system requiring the products to be tested after their arrival in Hong Kong. Because previously, normally the suppliers, they will receive the certificate showing the testing results in the area of origin, so no testing is required within Hong Kong. But after our new system is out, we believe this service will be in demand, so we are right now contacting a number of laboratories. Let them know our new requirements and see if they can gear up their facilities and manpower to provide this service.
Your second question is about the legal liabilities. Yes, it is legally binding because what we have described just now, the procedures and the requirements, the specimens required and the way of collecting the specimens, will be specified in a practice note to be promulgated by the Buildings Department for the sector. And according to the Buildings Ordinance, if any contractor does not comply with the requirement regarding the testing and also putting up the scaffolding nets, for example, they put up scaffolding nets without going through this on-site sampling and testing, that will be a violation of the requirement and the immediate result is the ceasing of works. The Buildings Authority will then issue an order to cease works immediately and also there will be other sanctions under the law.
(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the remarks.)
HKSAR Government strongly disapproves and rejects report of US Congressional-Executive Commission on China
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
HKSAR Government strongly disapproves and rejects report of US Congressional-Executive Commission on China
A HKSAR Government spokesperson said, “The HKSAR Government strongly disapproves and opposes the CECC’s repeated tactics to interfere in the affairs of the HKSAR through the so-called annual report, and make slandering remarks against Hong Kong, where ‘one country, two systems’ is successfully implemented. The US is once again overriding the rule of law with politics and making unfounded and fact-twisting remarks. Such attempt to undermine the prosperity and stability of Hong Kong and interfere in Hong Kong’s law-based governance is doomed to fail.”
The spokesperson reiterated, “The HKSAR Government steadfastly safeguards national sovereignty, security and development interests, and fully and faithfully lives up to the highest principle of ‘one country, two systems’. It will resolutely, fully and faithfully implement the Hong Kong National Security Law (HKNSL), the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance (SNSO) and other relevant laws safeguarding national security in the HKSAR, to effectively prevent, suppress and impose punishment for acts and activities endangering national security in accordance with the law, whilst maintaining the common law system, adhering to the principle of the rule of law and upholding the rights and freedoms of Hong Kong people in accordance with the law, so as to ensure the steadfast and successful implementation of the principle of ‘one country, two systems’. The HKSAR Government strongly demands the US to immediately stop acting against the international law and basic norms of international relations and interfering in China’s internal affairs and Hong Kong affairs.”
Regarding the slandering remarks in the US’ so-called report and the relevant statement about the HKSAR, the Government solemnly rejects them in the ensuing paragraphs.
Safeguarding National Security
The HKSAR Government spokesperson said, “The HKSAR Government strongly opposes the absurd and untrue content regarding legislation safeguarding national security in the HKSAR contained in the US’ so-called report. In accordance with international law and international practice based on the Charter of the United Nations, safeguarding national security is an inherent right of all sovereign states. Many common law jurisdictions, including the US, the United Kingdom, Australia and Canada, have enacted multiple pieces of legislation and implemented measures to safeguard national security.”
“As the HKSAR Government has emphasised time and again that the laws safeguarding national security in the HKSAR are precisely for safeguarding national sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity; and ensuring the full and faithful implementation of the principle of ‘one country, two systems’ under which the people of Hong Kong administer Hong Kong with a high degree of autonomy. It also better safeguards the fundamental rights and freedoms of the residents of the HKSAR and other people in the city.
“Extraterritorial effect for the offences endangering national security under the HKNSL and the SNSO fully aligns with the principles of international law, international practice and common practice adopted in various countries and regions. It is both necessary and legitimate, and is also in line with those of other countries and regions around the world (including the US, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada and member states of the European Union). The Police have the responsibility to pursue those who are suspected of committing offences endangering national security outside Hong Kong.
“As regards the offenses related to seditious intention, the courts of the HKSAR have ruled in different cases that the provisions relating to sedition are consistent with the relevant provisions of the Basic Law and the Hong Kong Bill of Rights on the protection of human rights, and that a proportionate and reasonable balance has been struck between safeguarding national security and protection of the freedom of speech. The offence is not meant to silence the expression of any opinion that is only genuine criticisms against the Government based on objective facts.
“The so-called US report mentioning the custodial arrangements for Jimmy Chee-ying is completely baseless. The HKSAR Government has also publicly stated on numerous occasions that the medical services received by Lai Chee-ying in custody are adequate and comprehensive. The Correctional Services Department (CSD) attaches great importance to the safety and health of persons-in-custody (PICs). Regardless of the identities, ages and nationalities of PICs, the CSD is committed to ensuring that the custodial environment is secure, safe, humane, appropriate and healthy, as well as timely medical support. During an earlier public court hearing, senior counsel representing Lai Chee-ying clearly presented to the court that the correctional institutions had been arranging daily medical checkups for Lai Chee-ying and that there had been no complaints at all regarding the medical services he was receiving, and the Court commended the CSD. As for the arrangement for Lai Chee-ying’s removal from association from other PICs (i.e. the so-called ‘solitary confinement’), it has all along been made at his own request and approved by the CSD after considering all relevant factors in accordance with the law.”
Safeguarding Due Administration of Justice and Rule of Law
The HKSAR Government emphasised that all judicial cases are handled strictly on the basis of evidence and in accordance with the law. All defendants will receive a fair trial strictly in accordance with laws applicable to Hong Kong (including the HKNSL and the SNSO) and as protected by the Basic Law and the Hong Kong Bill of Rights. The so-called report specifically mentioned cases on offences endangering national security involving Lai Chee-ying, wantonly smearing the law enforcement, prosecution and judicial organs of the HKSAR regarding the handling of the relevant cases. Their ulterior motives are obvious, namely, to interfere with the judicial proceedings in the HKSAR by means of political power in order to procure a defendant’s evasion of the criminal justice process. The HKSAR Government strongly condemned these blatant attempting to undermine the rule of law of the HKSAR.
The HKSAR Government spokesman pointed out, “The Department of Justice, by virtue of Article 63 of the Basic Law, controls criminal prosecutions, makes independent prosecutorial decisions in accordance with the law, free from any interference. Prosecutions would be instituted by the Department of Justice only if there is sufficient admissible evidence to support a reasonable prospect of conviction, and if it is in the public interest to do so.”
“The Judiciary of the HKSAR exercises judicial power independently in accordance with the law, and everyone charged with a criminal offence has the right to a fair hearing. All cases concerning offence endangering national security will be handled by the prosecution and judicial authorities of the HKSAR in a fair and timely manner in strict compliance with Article 42(1) of the HKNSL, with the procedural rights of defendants exercised in accordance with the law fully respected throughout the process. The courts decide cases strictly in accordance with the evidence and all applicable laws, and cases will never be handled any differently owing to the profession, political beliefs or background of the persons involved. The prosecution has the burden to prove beyond reasonable doubt the commission of an offence before a defendant may be convicted by the court.”
Safeguarding Rights and Freedoms
The HKSAR Government spokesman said, “The HKSAR Government steadfastly safeguards the rights and freedoms enjoyed by Hong Kong people as protected under the law. Since Hong Kong’s return to the motherland, human rights in the city have always been robustly guaranteed constitutionally by both the Constitution and the Basic Law. The HKNSL and the SNSO also clearly stipulate that human rights shall be respected and protected in safeguarding national security in the HKSAR, and that the rights and freedoms, including the freedoms of speech, of the press, of publication, of association, of assembly, of procession and of demonstration, that Hong Kong residents enjoy under the Basic Law and the provisions of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights as applied to Hong Kong, shall be protected in accordance with the law. Nonetheless, just as the case with other places in the world, such rights and freedoms are not absolute. The ICCPR also expressly states that some of them may be subject to restrictions as prescribed by law that are necessary for the protection of national security, public safety, public order or the rights and freedoms of others, etc. Indeed, Article 19 of the ICCPR specifically requires that journalists must observe and discharge ‘special duties and responsibilities’ including protection of national security or public order.
“In fact, since the implementation of the HKNSL and the SNSO, the media landscape in Hong Kong has remained vibrant. However, the so-called ‘2025 Annual Report’ deliberately fabricated facts about freedom of the press and speech in Hong Kong. Like all other places in the world, freedom of the press and speech are not absolute. The media, like everyone else, has an obligation to abide by all the laws. The media continue to enjoy the freedom to comment on and criticise government policies without any restriction, as long as this is not in violation of the law. The court further cited precedents from the European Court of Human Rights regarding press freedom in the reasons for verdict of a relevant case, pointing out that the European Convention on Human Rights does not guarantee a wholly unrestricted freedom of speech even with respect to press coverage on matters of serious public concern. The most crucial point is that journalists must act in good faith and on accurate factual basis and provide reliable and precise information in accordance with the tenets of ‘responsible journalism’ in order to enjoy the protection of their rights to freedom of speech and press freedom. The US Government does not hesitate to take action against misleading and biased news reporting. Recently, it has set up a webpage to list such misleading and biased reporting of the media, and even described some of such media reports as ‘subversive’. The US CECC’s smearing of the HKSAR with double-standard is purely a shameful political maneuver.”
As for the so-called annual report’s claim that women in Hong Kong faced discrimination and harassment in the workplace, this is an absurd accusation. The Sex Discrimination Ordinance protects women from discrimination, sexual harassment, and victimization in the prescribed area of employment.”
Maintaining long-term prosperity and stability
Under “one country, two systems”, Hong Kong has the distinctive advantage of enjoying strong support of the motherland while being closely connected to the world. With such unparalleled connectivity, Hong Kong will continue to play its dual role as “super-connector” and “super value-adder”. Hong Kong will also continue to leverage its strengths to enhance its role as international financial, maritime and trade centres, among others, whilst proactively integrating into the overall development of our nation, including the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area development, the high-quality development of the Belt and Road Initiative, etc.. The HKSAR Government will continue to identify new areas for economic development and proactively compete for enterprises and talents with a view to promoting the sustainable development and enhancing the competitiveness of Hong Kong. As a matter of fact, Hong Kong has once again been ranked as the world’s freest economy by the Fraser Institute. On the other hand, the US enjoys significant economic benefits in Hong Kong and has realised a trade surplus of more than US$270 billion with Hong Kong over the past 10 years, the largest among US global trading partners. There are about 1 390 US companies with their businesses in Hong Kong. All these demonstrate the close and long-standing economic ties between Hong Kong and the US, as well as the vast business interests of the US in Hong Kong. A stable and prosperous Hong Kong is certainly of mutual benefits to Hong Kong and the US.
Issued at HKT 0:30
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