Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said on Tuesday that Hong Kong offers the world its experience and wisdom by showcasing “the certainties of safety, stability and development opportunities” amid geopolitical uncertainties.

“We would rather be reformers who rise to challenges than become complacent idlers,” he told a reception marking the 28th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre in Wan Chai.

“Amid an ever‑changing geopolitical landscape and constantly increasing uncertainties, Hong Kong is able to showcase exactly to the world the certainties of safety, stability and development opportunities. These are precisely what the world needs and seeks.”

Lee pledged to leverage the city’s unique advantages under “one country, two systems” to turn challenges into opportunities.

Looking ahead, he outlined three major focus areas for the SAR government – ensuring high-quality development underpinned by security, accelerating the Northern Metropolis project, and improving livelihoods.

He stressed the need to balance security and development, reaffirming Hong Kong’s commitment to safeguarding national security, while actively integrating into the nation’s development strategy.

FULL TEXT: CE's speech at reception marking 28th HKSAR anniversary 

Key economic measures will include supporting business upgrades and expansion into the Chinese mainland and world markets, as well as strengthening global trade partnerships to diversify supply chains and reduce reliance on single markets.

Efforts will also be made to boost innovation and technology, expand digital trade, and attract top talent and enterprises to reinforce the SAR’s status as an international financial, shipping and trading hub.

The Northern Metropolis, spanning one-third of Hong Kong’s land area and expected to house one-third of the city’s population, was highlighted as a new growth engine.

Lee said the government plans to streamline regulations and collaborate with the market to fast-track development. One focus will be on industries and innovation, he said, pledging to woo global research talent and resources to build a high-end innovation hub.

The Hong Kong leader also vowed to enhance livelihoods through initiatives in housing, healthcare and transport.

IN PICTURES: Flags raised as HKSAR marks its birthday

Plans are afoot to speed up public housing supply, shorten waiting times, and ensure the timely delivery of “light public housing”.

Substandard subdivided flats will be replaced with compliant “simple housing” with registration expected to start by March next year.

In healthcare, reforms will be introduced to strengthen public and primary services.

Targeted assistance for the most vulnerable will be offered as part of the wider poverty relief efforts.

To strengthen public transport, efforts will be made to accelerate major infrastructure projects, including the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Western Railway (Hung Shui Kiu to Qianhai), the Northern Link Spur Line, and smart green transit systems.

Lee highlighted significant achievements made in the past three years, noting that the SAR government has prioritized security, economic growth and social welfare, yielding tangible results.

Key accomplishments include enacting Article 23 legislation to strengthen national security, reducing public housing wait times by 9.5 months, and recovering 8,700 misused public housing units.

READ MORE: HK hosts gala to mark 28th anniversary of SAR’s establishment

Economic recovery is evident, he said, with median household income rising by 11 percent and financial sector reforms returning Hong Kong to the world’s third-ranked financial center.

Hong Kong’s talent attraction programs have brought more than 210,000 professionals and 84 tech firms to the city, generating HK$50 billion ($6.4 billion) in investment and 20,000 jobs.

Lee’s speech was followed by a toast with dignitaries.

Earlier in the morning, a flag-raising ceremony was held at Golden Bauhinia Square in Wan Chai to mark the anniversary. It was attended by senior officials, former chief executives – Leung Chun-ying, Donald Tsang Yam-kuen and Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor – and community leaders.

The national and regional flags were escorted by a guard of honor and hoisted as the police band played ceremonial music. Disciplined services personnel gave aerial and sea salutes, adding a dramatic tribute.

As part of the celebrations, the government and businesses rolled out special offers for residents, with more than 4,000 restaurants and shops providing discounts, including 29-percent off deals, with extra perks for seniors to boost the silver economy.

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The Hong Kong Retail Management Association has launched a shopping festival until August, with over HK$1.9 billion in discounts.

Other special offers include 71,000 free single subway journeys through a lottery draw, and free rides on the Star Ferry (Tsim Sha Tsui-Wan Chai), selected New Ferry routes, and on trams for three days.

Admission to M+ Museum, Hong Kong Palace Museum, Science Museum, Space Museum and public sports facilities will also be free on Tuesday.