Happiness and livelihood priority for Lee

Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said his second policy address today would be aimed at increasing the happiness of the people and focus on developing the economy.

Lee also said he had garnered 8,700 opinions from public consultations in the past three months.

Toting the green printed edition of the address, Lee said he would continue to adhere to ideas raised by President Xi Jinping during the July 1 celebrations marking the 25th anniversary of Hong Kong's handover as his policy blueprint.

They are the "four musts" for the political system here, the "four hopes" for governance, economy and livelihood, and Xi's idea that "Hong Kong will prosper when its youngsters prosper."

He added: "I will use these as my blueprint to develop the economy and improve people's livelihood."

The 8,700 viewpoints were received via emails and social media after over 40 consultation sessions in the past three months.

"I would like to thank people who have provided their views to assist me in setting priorities and focus of my policies."

The green cover is the same as the one for his first policy address.

For Lee, green symbolizes hope, vitality, peace and stability brought by his administration's policies.

"It also symbolizes [Hong Kong] going from order to prosperity. The city is going step by step toward flourishing and will continue year after year."

Lee sidestepped all questions regarding policy measures, calling for patience and on people to "just wait for one more day."

Sources have said the administration will ease "harsh measures on property purchases" to ease the sector's woes, while also announcing the introduction of "community hubs" for people in inadequate housing.

Boosting the city's birth rate will be another focus, with the plan being hand out HK$20,000 to parents for every newborn baby alongside stepping up care services.

The administration is expected to finally push forward the East Kowloon line, while other policies include extending the eligible use of health-care vouchers to Greater Bay Area hospitals.

It is also looking to raise the ratio of non-local university students to 40 percent, which means raising their upper limit in number terms to no more than 6,000 for the whole of Hong Kong.

Lee also refused to comment on the uncertainty over his attendance at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit, taking place in San Francisco from November 11 to 17.

Asked whether Sino-US relations will remain tense amid California governor Gavin Newsom's week-long visit to China, he said Hong Kong maintains good ties with many different countries and is open to climate change and economic cooperation.