Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor meets the press at Central Government Offices on Oct 12, 2020. (CALVIN NG / CHINA DAILY)

HONG KONG – Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor said she has sought the central government’s help in finding new growth engines to revive Hong Kong’s battered economy, while fortifying the city’s existing strengths.

Support has been sought in four areas – financial services, innovation and technology, aviation sector and projects that can improve people’s livelihood, Lam said during a newspaper interview days before she is expected visit Beijing to present in person her proposals to the central authorities.

Support has been sought in four areas – financial services, innovation and technology, aviation sector and projects that can improve people’s livelihood, Chief Executive Carrie Lam Yuet-ngor said during a newspaper interview

The new policy initiatives are also expected to be the highlight of her annual policy address this year. Originally scheduled to deliver the address on Oct 14, the CE postponed it on Oct 12 and now aims to deliver it by the end of November.

Speaking to local Chinese language newspaper Wen Wei Po and Hong Kong Commercial Daily, Lam said she had received a positive response after submitting her proposals to the central authorities.

But it takes time to allow the bundle of policies to get off the ground as many central authorities are involved, she said. That’s why it’s better for her to explain in person how and why the policies are necessary for Hong Kong, she added.

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The CE proposed to the central government to expand the mutual access of financial markets between the Chinese mainland and Hong Kong to buttress the city’s status as an international financial center.

Greater and deeper mutual access will also be beneficial to Hong Kong’s offshore renminbi business, she said.

Also on her list are requests for support for joint efforts with Shenzhen in building a world-class innovation and technology hub as well as for Hong Kong’s pandemic-hit aviation sector and the Hong Kong International Airport.

The reopening of borders with the mainland is also on the list, as the pandemic has forced the closure of border checkpoints for about nine months and the status is expected to continue with Hong Kong still recording new COVID-19 cases.

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Lam said during the interview that Hong Kong residents currently need a more confident government and a clearer blueprint regarding the city’s future. The residents will be more confident about the city if more detailed measures backed by Beijing can be included in her new Policy Address, she added.

Contact the writer at kathyzhang@chinadailyhk.com