Beijing applauds Policy Address for bold economic and social reforms

The Hong Kong and Macao Work Office, through its commentary article, commended Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu’s 2025 Policy Address, unveiled on Wednesday, for its forward-looking vision to drive economic growth, foster development, and enhance public welfare. 

The address was hailed as a testament to the proactive leadership of the Chief Executive and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) government, reflecting the collective aspiration of Hong Kong’s society to forge a brighter future with renewed vigor.

The past year has seen remarkable progress under the government’s leadership. 

Hong Kong has solidified its position as the world’s third-ranked international financial center and reclaimed a top-three spot in global competitiveness. Five local universities now rank among the world’s top 100, while the city has surged to first in Asia and fourth globally in talent rankings. 

Median household income has risen by 11 percent compared to three years ago, and the public housing waitlist time has dropped significantly from 6.1 years to 5.1 years, achievements that have uplifted public confidence.

To craft this year’s address, the Hong Kong government conducted extensive public consultations starting in June, combining online and offline platforms to gather insights from diverse sectors. 

Lee and his team engaged directly with community members and grassroots citizens, fostering enthusiastic participation and building strong consensus for the proposed initiatives.

The 2025 Policy Address stands out for its bold reforms and innovative approaches to economic transformation and social welfare. It introduces a "Heads of Department Accountability System" and enhances civil service evaluations to boost governance efficiency.

The establishment of a "Committee on Development of the Northern Metropolis" and dedicated legislation aim to accelerate growth in that region. 

The address outlines clear strategies for industries like advanced manufacturing, life sciences, renewable energy, AI, and data science, supported by flexible land allocation, tax incentives, funding, and talent development, showcasing a synergy of proactive governance and market efficiency.

The address emphasizes integrating education, technology, and talent development while promoting culture, sports, and tourism to align with national development goals. 

It prioritizes improving housing, transportation, healthcare, social welfare, labor protections, and inclusivity, aiming to deliver better living conditions, higher wages, improved elderly care, and greater opportunities for youth. 

Central authorities expressed confidence that under John Lee’s leadership, Hong Kong’s society will transform this ambitious blueprint into reality, ensuring the city shines as a vibrant gem in the nation’s embrace.