In Pictures: Hong Kong must contribute to China’s growth amid global uncertainty, leader John Lee says on National Day
Hong Kong Free Press
Hong Kong must leverage its own strengths as an international financial hub and seek new areas of growth to contribute to China’s national development amid a “once-in-a-century” global shake-up, Chief Executive John Lee has said.
Tuesday marks the 75th anniversary of the founding of People’s Republic of China. Hong Kong is expected to see a record number of events in celebration.
“The world is seeing a once-in-a-century shake-up and it’s accelerating,” Lee said in Cantonese during a televised address following a flag-ceremony with top officials.
“Hong Kong is at a critical period of economic transformation. There will be challenges ahead, but the opportunities for Hong Kong outweigh these challenges,” Lee said.
“We must adapt to our circumstances, continuously reform, recognise and seek change, break through bottlenecks, address shortcomings, remove obstacles while consolidating and enhancing Hong Kong’s advantages. We should actively explore new areas of development, fully seize opportunities, share the benefits of development with the people of Hong Kong, and contribute our strengths to meet the needs of the nation,” he added.
Lee noted Tuesday was the first National Day since Hong Kong passed the homegrown Safeguarding National Security Ordinance, known locally as Article 23, as well as the overhaul of district governance that ensured only “patriots” could run for public office.
He hailed China’s development over the past 75 years, as it rose to become the world’s no.2 economy behind the US: “[China’s] international influence cannot be overlooked,” he said.
He also praised the Belt and Road initiative – a key foreign policy of President Xi Jinping that propels China’s investment in infrastructure projects in Southeast Asia, Africa, and Europe – saying it was an achievement under the country’s open and reform policy.
The country has offered “Chinese wisdom for the transformation of the global governance system and demonstrating the responsibility of a major power,” Lee said.
Lee called Hong Kong a “participant, a contributor, and a beneficiary” of China’s development, saying that the city should ride the momentum of Chinese economic growth.
He highlighted Hong Kong’s role in the Greater Bay Area – a regional development plan that comprises the former British colony, Macau, and nine cities in Guangdong – as well as the selection of the first Hongkonger to join China’s space programme.
Lee said Hong Kong must consolidate its status as an international finance hub, citing a recent ranking that restored the city to no.3 in the world – behind New York and London and above regional rival Singapore.
It proved the effectiveness of government policies in bringing in businesses and talents, he said.
The city should also unite all sectors to improve people’s livelihoods, he said, adding that safeguarding national security remained the “highest principle” of his administration.
National Day celebrations
To mark National Day, movie tickets will be half-price, with 25 per cent off most MTR fares. Children will enjoy free rides on designated bus routes and ferries, and tram rides will be free for Octopus users.
There will be special deals at 3,000 eateries, as well as at the West Kowloon Cultural District, Ocean Park, the Ngong Ping 360 cable car, and the Peak Tram.
All museums under the Leisure and Cultural Services Department will open to the public free of charge on October 1 as part of the celebrations. Government leisure facilities, including badminton courts, golf facilities, and public swimming pools will also be free to the public.
A fireworks display is expected to light the sky above Victoria Harbour on Tuesday night. Police deployed 7,000 officers across the city and traffic controls will be in place during the evening to accommodate the large crowds expected to flood each side of the harbour for the show.
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