The Hong Kong government is collaborating with local businesses and community groups to launch over 100 celebratory events citywide, along with discount campaigns on public transportation, dining and consumption, to mark the 28th anniversary of the city’s return to the motherland on July 1.

Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said at a regular news conference on Tuesday that anniversary-related celebrations will be held in all the 18 districts, with flag-raising ceremonies, parades, carnivals, shows and sports competitions.

The city’s trams will offer free rides for the public from July 1 to July 3.

MTR Corp — the city’s railway operator — will give away 71,000 electronic single tickets through a lucky draw on July 1.

Children aged between three and 11 can take the MTR’s Airport Express for free on the anniversary day, while residents aged 60 or above will get a half-price discount on the airport rail link.

Rides on several ferry routes, including Star Ferry services between Tsim Sha Tsui and Wan Chai, will be free on July 1, with vouchers for certain ferry routes to be distributed in advance.

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The Hong Kong Wetland Park in Tin Shui Wai, the M+ Museum, the Hong Kong Palace Museum and a number of fee-charging leisure and cultural facilities managed by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, will also be open to the public for free on July 1.

Lee noted the increased number of businesses joining the celebrations, with more than 1,000 restaurants and merchants expected to provide dining offers.

The Peak Tram, Ngong Ping 360, and Ocean Park Hong Kong will provide ticket discounts. The Hong Kong International Airport, Hong Kong Science Park, as well as various shopping malls and department stores will also roll out shopping, dining, consumption or parking offers.

The Hong Kong Tourism Board will team up with more local businesses to expand their offerings to include discounts also on attractions, tours, and entertainment deals, Lee added.

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He thanked all the businesses for their enthusiastic response, saying they have helped create a festive atmosphere.

At the same news conference, Lee also announced that this year’s Policy Address will be delivered earlier than usual, in September instead of the usual mid-to-late October period of the past three years.

The chief executive said that the current session of the Legislative Council will end earlier than usual, as the legislative elections will be held at the end of this year.

He said that the launch of public consultations on the Policy Address at an earlier time than usual — starting on June 16 — demonstrates the importance the government attaches to effective communication between the executive and legislative branches, and will allow sufficient time to gather feedback from the public.

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The consultations will include more than 40 online and offline sessions and two district forums.

Lee said Hong Kong’s governance priorities include boosting the economy, pursuing development, and improving people’s livelihoods — and these will be the key themes in his upcoming policy speech.

He also pledged to bolster the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region’s strengths, tackle challenges and deepen reforms in various sectors.

Contact the writer at amberwu@chinadailyhk.com