Policy Address

5. In the past four years, the Government has made full efforts to alleviate poverty, care for the elderly, support the disadvantaged and encourage employment. Over these four years, earnings for the employees in the lowest three income decile groups have increased by 5.2% after discounting inflation. The number of Comprehensive Social Security Assistance (CSSA) cases has continued to drop and the poor population is shrinking. The Government has invested heavily in healthcare infrastructure. Air quality in our city and water quality in Victoria Harbour have improved notably. Measures on climate change and waste management have been implemented progressively and important progress has been made in the protection and conservation of species and the rural environment.

6. The world’s political and economic landscapes are undergoing profound changes. China is playing an increasingly prominent and leading role in the global economy. Against this background, Hong Kong’s dual advantages of “one country” and “two systems” and its role as the “super-connector” are becoming more apparent. Leveraging the National 13th Five-Year Plan and the Belt and Road Initiative, Hong Kong enjoys endless opportunities, as we excel in “what the country needs, and what Hong Kong is good at”.

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