Policy Address
Supporting the Development of the Agriculture and Fisheries Industry
77. We will continue to promote the sustainable development of the agriculture and fisheries industry by helping the sectors involved to adopt advanced technology and seize new opportunities. We will be more proactive in helping the industry to make good use of the Sustainable Fisheries Development Fund and the Sustainable Agricultural Development Fund. The construction of Phase 1 of the Agricultural Park in Kwu Tung South, which is going to be completed by phases starting from the end of this year, will facilitate modernisation of farm management. The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) is actively promoting smart greenhouse technology, and assisting the industry in improving efficiency and making good use of production space through the development of precise and automated hydroponic production technology. On the fisheries front, the use of modern deep sea mariculture is a global trend. The AFCD will continue to perform the role of a “facilitator” in taking forward development in this aspect.
Safeguarding Hong Kong’s Business Environment
78. Hong Kong is a free, open and diversified economy and a metropolis that attracts talents, organisations and enterprises of different scales from all over the world. Last year, Hong Kong ranked third globally in foreign direct investment inflows, after the United States and the Mainland. Attaching great importance to the business environment of Hong Kong, the HKSAR Government has been maintaining communication with local and foreign chambers of commerce and addressing their concerns. The National Security Law has been promulgated and implemented for a period of time. According to our observations, the initial concerns of foreign businesses have notably subsided and they are now most concerned about the restrictions on cross-border travel. As indicated in the latest annual surveys, the number of business operations in Hong Kong with parent companies overseas or in the Mainland and the number of start-ups in Hong Kong reach an all-time high of 9 049 and 3 755 respectively this year. It can be seen that our business environment has not been undermined by the impact of the pandemic and the biased reports of Hong Kong’s situation by certain Western media. More detailed information is provided in the Report on Hong Kong’s Business Environment: A Place with Unique Advantages and Unlimited Opportunities published recently for enterprises’ reference.
Strengthening Ties with the Mainland
79. The 14th Five-Year Plan supports Hong Kong to strengthen co-operation with the Mainland in the areas of trade and I&T. In fact, the HKSAR Government has established co-operation mechanisms with not only the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area but also the Pan-Pearl River Delta region, Beijing, Shanghai, Fujian and Sichuan respectively to promote co-operation on multiple fronts. With the support of the Central Government, we have proceeded with the establishment of a new Hubei-Hong Kong high-level co-operation mechanism with the Hubei Province.
80. Unlike overseas ETOs, the Mainland offices of the HKSAR Government have to, on top of promoting trade, facilitating investment and providing support for Hong Kong businessmen, foster communication and exchanges with Mainland provinces and municipalities in various aspects, promote Hong Kong, maintain liaison with Hong Kong people studying, working and residing in the Mainland, etc. I have asked the CMAB to review the role of our Mainland offices and the effectiveness of their work in due course, and examine the need to retitle these offices so as to better reflect their extensive duties.
