Policy Address

Mr President, Honourable Members and fellow citizens,

I. Introduction

1.         Since taking office, the current-term Government has focused its efforts on promoting democracy and boosting the economy. We have also risen to the challenge and strived to pragmatically address livelihood issues such as housing, elderly care, poverty, support for the disadvantaged and environmental protection.

2.         Despite the weak external environment, Hong Kong has achieved moderate economic growth and the Government has recorded satisfactory revenue in the past three years. In 2014-15, profits tax and salaries tax both reached new highs. Hence, the Government was able to implement initiatives to improve people’s living quality. In particular, we have devoted considerable effort and substantial resources to poverty alleviation, elderly care and support for the disadvantaged, which has enabled the underprivileged to live with dignity and helped foster harmony in the community.

3.         Efforts to develop and increase land supply have begun to deliver results.  Property and rental prices have started to fall, and we can see the first glimmer of hope for solving the housing problem.  Hong Kong’s living environment, in particular air quality and water quality in the harbour is improving gradually.  They demonstrate the resolve and perseverance of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) in addressing livelihood issues and show effectiveness of our policies.

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