Hong Kong leader John Lee has vowed to ensure the city will feel the benefits of economic development, as the region marked the 76th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China (PRC).
Delivering his address after a flag-raising ceremony in Wan Chai, the chief executive said that improving livelihoods was the “ultimate aim” of his policies, adding that the economy and residents’ livelihoods were inextricably linked.
“Economic growth is the bedrock upon which livelihoods can be improved,” he said. “A thriving economy will raise incomes and allow the government to build more infrastructure and provide more services.”
Lee added that while some sectors – such as finance and trade – would see “dividends” more readily while others benefit in more “indirect” ways, his government would take measures to ensure that all benefit.
“These dividends will eventually spread throughout society at large, allowing everyone to benefit from the fruits of development” Lee said, citing a 11 per cent increase in the median family income over the past three years.
“The government strives to adopt effective measures to eliminate bottlenecks in the generation of dividends and shorten the time it takes for people to reap those benefits,” Lee said.
The city’s leader took to the stage after the city flew the regional and national flags on Wednesday morning, kicking off celebrations.
China’s National Day falls on October 1 every year. This year also marks the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II following Japan’s surrender, or what the PRC calls the “Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.”
See also: HKFP Lens: Sea of red in Hong Kong as city prepares for PRC’s 76th anniversary
He said the government will restore historic sites in Hong Kong and have them integrated into tourism routes and educational activities, as stated in his Policy Address last month.
Lee also noted that China would soon welcome the plenum on its upcoming 15th five-year plan, spanning 2026 to 2030.
Economic transformation ‘essential’
Economic development was one of three main areas where Hong Kong could support China that Lee laid out at a reception on Wednesday morning, China’s National Day.
He said Hong Kong would spare no effort in coordinating security and development, and that the government is “committed to continuously enhancing the legal system and enforcement mechanism for safeguarding national security to ensure security and promote development.”
Chief Executive John Lee’s speech in full – click to view.
Distinguished guests, fellow citizens,
I am delighted to celebrate with all of you here today the 76th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China. This year marks the conclusion of the 14th Five-Year Plan period, the preparatory year for the 15th Five-Year Plan and also the 80th Anniversary of Victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, a milestone prompting us to remember the past and create a better future together. Looking back over the past three-quarters of a century, the Chinese nation has gone through an extraordinary journey. With the arduous struggles from victory in the war of resistance to the beginning of the founding of the country, and the rapid economic growth from the country’s reform and opening-up to a new era of high-quality development, the Chinese nation has achieved a tremendous transformation from standing up and growing prosperous to becoming strong. Today, our country has secured its status as the world’s second-largest economy and has become the world’s largest manufacturer and merchandise trader. With powerful national strengths, our country has garnered global attention with its achievements and wielded significant international influence. On September 3, I led a delegation of over 300 members from different sectors of the community to Beijing to attend the commemorative rally and military parade marking the 80th Anniversary of Victory in the War of Resistance. We witnessed our country’s commemoration of victory, remembrance of history and the tribute paid to fallen heroes in the most solemn and respectful way. For this, I felt deeply exhilarated, honoured and proud. This was a military parade since our country had forged ahead on the new journey through the Chinese path to modernisation, a vivid portrayal of the country’s great capabilities in safeguarding national sovereignty, security and development interests as well as world peace. Prior to the commemorative rally, President Xi Jinping warmly shook hands with six veterans, including 94-year-old Mr Lo King-fai, a Hong Kong veteran of the Dongjiang Column, at the viewing stand of the Tiananmen Tower, indicating clearly that the Central Authorities attach great importance to and care for Hong Kong. To commemorate the 80th Anniversary of Victory in the War of Resistance, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region has organised a series of activities. As entrusted by the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, the State Council and the Central Military Commission, I have had the honour to present commemorative medals to the surviving veteran soldiers, veteran heroes, resistance commanders or their descendants in Hong Kong. I have attended large-scale roving exhibitions, officiated a ceremony at Tsam Chuk Wan Martyrs Memorial Garden and the unveiling ceremony of the couplet at the memorial pavilion for martyrs, and visited the “Commemorating the 80th Anniversary of Victory in the War of Resistance in Guangdong and Hong Kong” exhibition at the Hong Kong Museum of the War of Resistance and Coastal Defence. In my Policy Address delivered last month, I have also stated that we will comprehensively review and conduct restoration and protection work on historic sites relating to the participation of the Communist Party of China in the War of Resistance in various districts, with a view to integrating them into tourism routes and educational activities. This will serve to enhance public understanding of the history of the War of Resistance in Hong Kong. Our country remains committed to opening up and pursuing high-quality development, offering Chinese wisdom for the reform of the global governance system and demonstrating its responsibility as a major power. Proactively aligning with national development strategies and leveraging Hong Kong’s unique advantages under “one country, two systems”, the Government will spare no efforts in three aspects: First, to fully co-ordinate security and development in a bid to ensure high-quality development with high-level security. Safeguarding national sovereignty, security and development interests is the highest principle of “one country, two systems”. The Government is committed to continuously enhancing the legal system and enforcement mechanism for safeguarding national security to ensure security and promote development, striving for a vibrant economy, pursuing development and advancing infrastructure construction. We will devote all efforts in preparing for the upcoming general election for the eighth-term Legislative Council on December 7 this year, ensuring that the election is conducted in a fair, just, honest, safe and orderly manner. Second, to facilitate economic growth and improve people’s livelihood. My ultimate objective in governance is to improve people’s livelihood. The economy and people’s livelihood complement and reinforce each other: economic growth is the bedrock of livelihood improvement for it creates job opportunities and wealth, and livelihood improvement will in turn spark new social demands that stimulate market development, further promoting economic growth. The dividends of economic development and livelihood improvement are interconnected and generate synergy effects. Economic development could lead to the creation of more high-quality jobs and drive wages up, while a vibrant economy could boost government revenues and enable the Government to provide additional infrastructure as well as services. In this interplay process, some sectors like finance and trading can enjoy the dividends more promptly, while some other sectors may share the dividends in a more indirect way. Nevertheless, these dividends will eventually be shared by the whole community, with every one of us enjoying the fruits of development as well evidenced by the increase of median household income by 11 per cent over the past three years. The Government strives to adopt effective measures to eliminate bottlenecks in the generation of dividends and shorten the time needed to realise efficiency gains, in order that citizens can benefit from the fruits of economic development more quickly and extensively. Third, to put into practice the policies and principles outlined in the Policy Address, deepening reforms for our people and leveraging our strengths for a brighter future. I attach great importance to swiftly resolving livelihood issues, as well as setting out long-term planning and systematic layout. Over the past three years or so, I have been actively promoting reforms, both within the Government and in the wider community, and various polices have been implemented. They are gradually delivering results. We have seen not only increases in people’s income and the hustle and bustle of a thriving economy, but also consistent improvements in our performance in international ratings. Hong Kong’s ranking as a global financial centre moved up one place last year, and we have since become the third-ranked global financial centre. Hong Kong has climbed four spots to rank third globally in overall competitiveness. We have risen 12 places to the fourth globally in talent competitiveness over the past two years, and are ranked seventh among the world’s top ten safest cities. More than testifying that our governance is on the right track and showing the united efforts of the Government and the people of Hong Kong, these objective rankings are testament to the promising economic outlook and confidence of the international community in Hong Kong, as well as our strong vibrancy under “one country, two systems”. An ancient Chinese poem goes: “With high tide and tailwind, it is time to sail a smooth ride.” Amid accelerating global changes unseen in a century and rapid changes arising from fast scientific advancement, we are moving through an irreversible economic transition, an essential process for a more robust economy in the future. Hong Kong is at the critical juncture of advancing from stability to prosperity. I am confident that by working together, innovating and embracing reforms, we will turn our beloved Hong Kong into an even better home for everyone. The Pearl of the Orient will keep shining brighter than ever before. I wish prosperity and stability for our motherland and Hong Kong. May all of you enjoy good health and achieve success in every endeavour. Thank you very much.
The government will also devote its efforts to preparations for the upcoming “patriots only” election for the Legislative Council’s eighth term on December 7, “ensuring that the election is conducted in a fair, just, honest, safe and orderly manner.”
In March 2021, Beijing passed legislation to ensure “patriots” govern Hong Kong. The move reduced democratic representation in the legislature, tightened control of elections and introduced a pro-Beijing vetting panel to select candidates. Authorities say the overhaul ensures the city’s stability and prosperity. But the changes also prompted international condemnation, as much of the traditional opposition remains behind bars, in self-exile or has quit politics.
On Wednesday, Lee also said he would carry out his Policy Address, “deepening reforms for our people and leveraging our strengths for a brighter future.”
Lee also described Hong Kong’s current economic condition as a “essential process” towards a stronger economy. “Amid accelerating global changes unseen in a century and rapid changes arising from fast scientific advancement, we are moving through an irreversible economic transition,” he said.
“Hong Kong is at a turning point in its transformation from stability to prosperity, and I believe that as long as we are united in reform, our home Hong Kong will be bound to improve.”
Hong Kong’s economy is projected to grow by 2-3 percent in 2025 after struggling to recover from the Covid-19 pandemic. KPMG Global Economic Outlook projects the city’s Gross Domestic Product (GFP) will shrink by 1.5 per cent by early 2026.
