Population policy views wanted

October 11, 2013

Chief Secretary Carrie Lam today chaired the Steering Committee on Population Policy's seventh meeting, which discussed preparations for the public engagement exercise to be launched by the end of the month.
 
The exercise aims to deepen public understanding, solicit community views and facilitate in-depth discussions to forge a consensus and form concrete policy measures.
 
The steering committee agreed the Government should provide plenty of opportunities for the public to express their views before implementing specific policies.
 
It was briefed on the latest draft of the consultation document, which includes demographic data, challenges and opportunities brought by an ageing population and declining workforce, policy directions and recommendations enabling the community to rationally and objectively discuss topics such as raising the quantity and quality of the working population, and minimising skills mismatch.
 
With no pre-set stance, the steering committee will adopt an open attitude in putting forward questions in the consultation document, to facilitate public discussion and consensus building.