John Lee will focus on economy and livelihood in second policy address: lawmaker

Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu has said he will focus on pushing economic developments and improving citizens’ livelihood in his second policy address, according to Hong Kong Island Federation chair So Cheung-wing. 

So’s remark came as representatives from the Hong Kong Island Federation, Kowloon Federation of Associations and New Territories Association of Societies attended a policy address consultation session on Thursday. 

So, also a lawmaker, said their group’s submission covered areas including district administrations, housing and social welfare, youth education, women’s work, and transport and environment. 

He also quoted city leader Lee saying that this year’s policy address, to be delivered on October 25, will focus on pushing economic developments and improving Hongkongers’ livelihood. 

The Kowloon Federation of Associations tabled 14 recommendations, ranging from housing to healthcare support and luring talents. 

Chairwoman Connie Wong Wai-ching praised Lee for keeping his promise of attracting more talents to the SAR and said society responded well to relevant policies. 

Wong also proposed to Lee expanding the import of labor to more than 26 job categories to stop the number of workers from dropping any further. 

Vice-chair Ho Hon-man suggested introducing a scoring system in public rental housing and subsidized housing to encourage young couples to buy homes. He also suggested distributing health vouchers to children. 

Lawmaker Brave Chan Yung, also the chair of the New Territories Association of Societies, called on authorities to fast-track the development of the Northern Metropolis. 

He hopes that the area can be further upgraded into the “Hong Kong-Shenzhen Metropolis” or the “Greater Bay Area New Metropolis” to boost the economy. 

Chan also said authorities have to continue to provide resources to the Home Affairs Department’s care team in the long run to guarantee the coverage of the teams’ services, giving the example of firefighters having hoses throughout the city.