The Belt & Road initiative is an important long-term national strategy, and Hong Kong should make the most of the opportunities it will bring.
This was the message from Chief Executive CY Leung in his post Policy Address press conference today.
He said Hong Kong can make full use of the advantages offered by the “one country, two systems” and “Hong Kong people administering Hong Kong” principles.
Belt & Road can provide huge momentum for Hong Kong’s social and economic development, and it is highly regarded by other countries, including Singapore and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.
He said the initiative is a comprehensive strategy covering “five areas of connectivity”, which is policy co-ordination, facilities connectivity, unimpeded trade, financial integration and people-to-people bond. It requires collaboration from different departments, so the Chief Executive will co-ordinate and steer these efforts.
On housing, Mr Leung said while the Government has not set a target, current property prices and rents are still beyond what many people can afford, so it will continue efforts to boost supply.
He said while the recent dip in rents shows supply has improved, the Government must continue to boost supply to curb speculation.
Mr Leung added that he and the Government are willing to create conditions that facilitate social harmony, and he will do his best to promote mutual understanding in a number of labour relations and social security issues.
