Hong Kong chief says has full confidence in city

On October 1, 2022, Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiuLee Ka-chiu gives a speech at the Grand Hall of Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, in celebration of the 73rd anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. ANDY CHONG CHINA DAILY HONG KONG - Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiuLee Ka-chiu said Saturday he has full confidence in the city as it has irreplaceable advantages arising from the nation's strong backing and its connectivity with the rest of the world.

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Lee said at a reception celebrating the 73rd anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China in the HKSAR that the one country, two systems, have provided institutional safeguards for the city's prosperity and stability. Hong Kong, whether in times of great opportunities or crisis, has strong backing from the country.

Chief Executive John Lee said that President Xi Jinping made a speech at the meeting to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to the motherland and the inaugural ceremony of the sixth-term government, and he will lead his team to do all they can to live up to the trust and open up new opportunities for Hong Kong.

Lee said he was glad to celebrate the 73rd anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China as the chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and to witness that nation gets stronger and stronger and people's lives get better and better.

The GDP of the nation was over 114 trillion yuan last year, which was 18 percent of the global economy. China's total transportation network has exceeded 6 million kilometers by the end of 2021.

Lee said as a Chinese people he is extremely proud of the achievements the Chinese people have made on the road to prosperity. This year is the 25th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to the country. He said that Hong Kong has finally turned the corner after overcoming challenges and entered a new stage of governance and prosperity.

Hong Kong, with a low tax rate and simple taxation system, is the freest economy in the world, an international shipping center, the world's largest offshore renminbi hub and the only city with five universities among the world's top 100 universities. Lee said that these are where Hong Kong's confidence and competitiveness lies.

Lee said that preparation for his first policy address, to be unveiled on October 19, has entered the final stage. Lee said we have seen a lot of problems through online and offline means and we have been in the community a number of times.

Lee said he will keep his original aspiration to seek development for the city, despite the daunting challenges ahead.