Chief Executive CY Leung's free kindergarten plan is a major move, and an investment that will improve education quality.
Taking media questions in a post Policy Address television forum tonight, Mr Leung said regarded education as an investment rather than expenditure.
The free kindergarten policy is part of a series of measures to enhance kindergarten education, including improving school premises and retaining quality teaching staff.
He said the Government also supports students' pursuit of further tertiary education, and if they are willing to study on the Mainland then they can get financial aid.
On the Belt & Road initiative, he said the idea has been well received by the commerce, finance and professional sectors.
Being the Mainland's super-connector to the rest of the world, as well as the most open and internationalised city in China, Hong Kong must be actively involved in the initiative, otherwise competitors will take Hong Kong’s place, he added.
