Chief Executive John Lee today commented that the 2025-26 Budget proposes pragmatic measures to improve public finances and stressed that he has full confidence in Hong Kong's development and future.

In a statement, Mr Lee said Financial Secretary Paul Chan put forward a series of practical and effective measures on Hong Kong's economic development and public fiscal consolidation, adding that the Budget will reinforce the Government's financial strength, and create new momentum and new advantages for the city's economic development.

As part of its course of action, the Budget proposes nurturing new quality productive forces to strengthen the development of innovation and technology and artificial intelligence; speeding up the development of the Northern Metropolis and the Hong Kong Park of the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science & Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone, fully leveraging the strategic position of "three centres and a hub", further nurturing and attracting talent, upgrading industries with advantages, and accelerating the development of Hong Kong's economy.

He pointed out that such measures are consistent with the directions of the Policy Address.

Mr Lee also indicated that the Budget puts forward realistic measures to enhance public finances, focusing primarily on strictly controlling government expenditures, supplemented by suitably increasing revenue, to steadily restore fiscal balance while taking into account the actual social situation and Hong Kong's competitiveness.

In addition to emphasising that the Budget aims to leverage market forces to promote infrastructure projects through innovative and diversified development models, he made it clear that government bonds will be issued to finance related projects.

Despite a complicated and volatile external environment, the Chief Executive expressed his confidence that Hong Kong will be able to seize opportunities and continue to give full play to its unique advantages under the "one country, two systems" principle of having the strong support of the country while maintaining unparalleled connectivity with the world, and further strengthening its connection with both the Mainland and the world.

“We will proactively integrate into and align with the country's national development strategies, foster accelerated economic growth and improve people's livelihood.

“Like the Financial Secretary, I have full confidence in Hong Kong's development and future.”

Mr Lee called on all sectors of the community to support this Budget.