The latest Policy Address, unveiled on Wednesday, has drawn applause from the city’s professionals, industry leaders, lawmakers and political parties, who said it put forward bold and practical measures to address livelihood, boost the economy and help businesses.
The Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong, the largest party in the Legislative Council, said the proposed policies are practical and precise, and can fully advance the SAR’s economic transformation, as well as improving governance efficacy.
On enhancing the housing ladder, the Policy Address didn’t mention rolling out a rent-to-own scheme, and DAB will keep striving for related support, said Gary Chan Hak-han, chairman of the party.
Peter Shiu Ka-fai, chairman of the Liberal Party, said several measures can help relieve burdens for small and medium-sized enterprises (SME), including extending the application period for the 80 percent Guarantee Product under the SME Financing Guarantee Scheme for two years, extending the principal moratorium arrangement for one year, and waiving fees for the first issue or renewal of licenses and permits.
The party hopes that the authorities can promote the horse racing economy to attract visitors to stay in Hong Kong for consumption.
Lawmaker Regina Ip Lau Suk-yee said she concurs with the governance philosophy of the Policy Address, especially on expediting the growth of the Northern Metropolis.
The Policy Address addressed the immediate needs of residents, but also delineated a blueprint for long-term development, said Ip, who is also convenor of the Executive Council. All non-official members of ExCo will fully support chief executive and actively cooperate with the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government in implementing policies, she added.
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Lawmaker William Wong Kam-fai said he believed that AI would provide robust support for transforming Hong Kong into an international innovation and technology hub, and for enhancing the quality of education.
Wong is highly supportive of the Innovation and Technology Talents Exchange Scheme, believing it will effectively achieve the goal of transforming Northern Metropolis University Town into a hub for the commercialization of research outcomes. He suggests that the SAR government invite large-scale technology enterprises with research and development capabilities to participate.
Also endorsing widening AI adoption, The Hong Kong Institute of Human Resource Management pointed out that most SMEs lack the funds and knowledge to adopt AI and appealed for more government support to facilitate workforce transformation. The institute also stressed the need for additional funding to subsidize enterprises in creating more youth internship opportunities.
Calling the proposed measures “breaking new ground”, lawmaker Dennis Lam Shun-chiu expressed his appreciation on the proposal to reduce waiting time for new bookings in specialty surgery at public hospitals, and enhance ophthalmic services by strengthening training for professional personnel, introducing innovative medications and setting up a new high-capacity ambulatory cataract surgery center. Lam, who is an ophthalmologist, said he believed these measures can improve the quality of public ophthalmic services.
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Peter Lam Kin-ngok, chairman of the Hong Kong Tourism Board said the Policy Address fully embraces the concept of “tourism is everywhere”, and the measures will be beneficial in exploring visitor sources, strengthening Hong Kong as a Muslim-friendly tourism destination, developing yacht tourism, and deepening the city’s hospitality culture.
The Hong Kong Productivity Council also threw its weight behind the PA, pledging full support in promoting AI applications, accelerating new industrialization, advancing the low-altitude economy, and developing new energy. The council believes that such measures can promote development of innovation and technology industries, and said it will provide technological support for enterprises to help them go global.
The Hong Kong Federation of Trade Unions welcomed the government’s promotion of an educational route themed "Chinese Cultural Celebrity Rescue" on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-45) and the World Anti-Fascist War. The route not only showcases the resilient spirit that prevailed during the war, but also helps deepen the youth's understanding of the nation's history and sentiments. The educational route should be integrated into curricula and community education to ensure the spirit of patriotism is passed down through generations, the federation noted.
Contact the writer at atlasshao@chinadailyhk.com
