John Lee: Policy Address adopts multiple measures to promote Hong Kong's economic development and future opportunities will focus more on "going global".

On September 18, Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu attended the question and answer session for the "Policy Address 2025" and stated that the new "Policy Address" would elaborate on the government's strategies and specific actions in developing the Northern Metropolis Area (NDA) and industrial innovation in the economic aspect while leveraging Hong Kong's role as a platform for "bringing in, going out" and "going global" to deepen international exchanges and cooperation. This is not only a demonstration of Hong Kong's efforts to promote economic development and improve people's livelihoods, but also a strategic deployment to actively align with national development strategies and achieve breakthroughs. John Lee Ka-chiu mentioned that during his three years in office, he has actively promoted government and social reforms, focusing on economic development and improving livelihoods; positive outcomes have been seen in various areas, including the practice and construction of "One Country, Two Systems", government governance, economic development, and welfare services. To further strengthen governance, he established a "department head responsibility system" and enhanced the civil service assessment mechanism. Additionally, an "AI Efficiency Enhancement Team" was set up to coordinate and guide the effective use of AI technology by various government departments. The government places great importance on the governance and risk prevention of AI applications, ensuring that information systems of the government and public bodies undergo repeated testing, review, and continuous monitoring to ensure safety. With safety ensured, efforts are made to advance AI development, promote AI+ development, implement AI governance, and facilitate the widespread application of AI in various industries. In terms of the economy, this year's "Policy Address" is devoted to elaborating on government strategies and specific actions in developing the NDA and industrial innovation under two separate chapters: "Accelerating the Development of the Northern Metropolis Area" and "Industrial Development and Innovation". The NDA is considered a new engine for Hong Kong's economic development, with tremendous potential. After three years of government efforts, the basic planning of the NDA has been put in place, and it is now a critical period for accelerating development and facilitating the introduction of industries and major projects. He has decided to elevate the decision-making level for the development of the NDA by setting up a "Northern Development Commission", streamlining administrative procedures, breaking down barriers, devising new operating models for various development zones in the NDA, including promoting university city construction, and establishing exclusive laws to expedite the development of the NDA. The government will also introduce and nurture industries, formulate incentive packages, engage with industries on establishment details in a faster and more flexible manner, create more high-income quality jobs, and enhance productivity. Under the principle of "One Country, Two Systems", Hong Kong enjoys both national and international opportunities. While Hong Kong has focused more on "bringing in" under the unique advantage of "bringing in, going out", future opportunities will be more centered around "going out". This shift stems from the restructuring of the global trade order, as mainland enterprises are now actively exploring emerging markets instead of focusing on a single country. The "Policy Address" emphasizes how Hong Kong can better integrate into the national development plan, including driving the unique advantages of "bringing in, going out" and leveraging the role of the "going global" platform, deepening international exchanges and cooperation, and further promoting the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. It also proposes a series of measures to consolidate Hong Kong's position as an international center, including financial, trade, shipping centers, as well as international innovation and technology centers, international aviation hubs, and international legal and dispute resolution service centers. These measures aim to leverage the advantages in finance, trade, professional services, supply chain management, and professional networks to create employment and income opportunities and drive headquarters economies, bringing about more business opportunities. Hong Kong will also focus on the integrated development of education, technology, and talent, building a hub for high-end talent gathering, and promoting the coordinated development of culture, sports, and tourism to ensure citizens live in communities with a thriving economy and vibrant culture. Another focus of the "Policy Address" is improving livelihoods. Improving livelihoods is the ultimate goal of governance: providing citizens with better housing, increasing income for working people, better care for the elderly, and better development opportunities for youth. Livelihoods are closely related to the economy, as economic growth forms the basis for improving livelihoods, creating jobs and wealth; while improving livelihoods drives social demand, stimulates market vitality, and promotes economic development. The "Policy Address" dedicates a chapter specifically to livelihoods, covering nine important categories closely related to citizens' lives including land and housing, transport, healthcare, social welfare, labor protection, and inclusive care. This includes continuously increasing the supply of public housing, enriching the housing ladder; continuing land reclamation efforts to increase land reserves to meet the needs of large-scale development projects, long-term economic development, and citizen housing; facilitating travel through intelligent green collective transportation systems and promoting autonomous vehicles; deepening healthcare reform, enhancing the sustainability of the healthcare system, strengthening primary healthcare, increasing healthcare personnel, promoting the development and innovation of Chinese medicine, among others. The government has also introduced a combination of measures to support the local economy, including support for small and medium enterprises, promoting diverse economic development, promoting fisheries and agriculture, and promoting pet-friendly environments. At the same time, Hong Kong will support and protect workers through a series of measures to ensure local workers have job priority; continue to offer targeted poverty alleviation, focusing resources on those in need of assistance; in terms of elderly care, the government will continue to promote the principle of "home-based elderly care as the foundation, institutional care as backup", strengthen institutional care services, and optimize elderly care arrangements in the Greater Bay Area. To address the challenge of aging population, the government will set up a "Task Force on Aging Issues". Additionally, Hong Kong will continue to promote women's development, encourage childbirth, protect children, support students, and strengthen support for ethnic minorities.