Lee lays out four key focus areas to boost economy and development in Article 23 era

Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu has outlined the four key areas of focus for Hong Kong's economic growth and development following the enactment of Basic Law Article 23.

According to Lee, these areas include the full implementation of measures proposed in the Policy Address and Budget, seizing opportunities, enhancing Hong Kong's competitiveness and fostering internal economic development.

He said the government is committed to consolidating Hong Kong's position as a global hub in various sectors.

As outlined in the Policy Address and Budget, the government aims to strengthen Hong Kong's status as an international financial center, an innovation and technology hub, a center for foreign cultures and arts, a trade hub, a shipping and aviation center, an Asia-Pacific center for international legal and dispute resolution services and a regional intellectual property rights trading center.

"We will also seize the opportunities appearing in the world and China, as the international financial center has been shifting from the West to the East," Lee said.

"The government will proactively develop the two markets within countries within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and Middle Eastern countries, attempting to develop business opportunities and step up cooperation between regions."

He added that the government's efforts to attract talent and enterprises have yielded promising results.

"Invest Hong Kong has helped 101 foreign enterprises open or expand their business in Hong Kong in January and February, which is a 75 percent increase year-on-year," Lee said.

"The government successfully attracted nearly 50 strategic enterprises to invest over HK$40 billion in Hong Kong, generating more than 13,000 employment opportunities."

Lee also noted that approximately 10,800 talented individuals have utilized various schemes to relocate to Hong Kong, enhancing the city's overall competitiveness.

Regarding the internal economy, Lee projected a substantial increase in tourist arrivals, estimating that the number of visitors to Hong Kong this year will reach 500 million - an impressive 50 percent year-on-year growth.

Such a surge in tourism is expected to have a significant positive impact on the economy.

Addressing concerns over the early release of national security prisoners, Lee clarified that under normal circumstances, these prisoners would not receive remissions. He cited the case of activist Ma Chun-man, who was denied early release due to concerns about his potential impact on national security if released.

Lee said that the denial of remissions sends a clear message to citizens, discouraging behaviors or activities that could jeopardize national security.

"Unless the Commissioner of Correctional Services reasonably believes that the prisoner will not hamper national security upon release, prisoners will not receive remission under normal circumstances," Lee said. "This exactly tells citizens not to try any behaviors or activities that could endanger national security and think that they might get a remission."

michael.shum@singtaonewscorp.com