CE delivered the Policy Address 2022
Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu delivered his first policy address at the LegCo on 19 Oct, rolling out a series of measures regarding attracting global talents, enhancing the city’s competitiveness as an international financial hub, and further integrating into the country's overall development plan. This policy address adopted more than 80 recommendations made by the Business and Professionals Alliance for Hong Kong, including establishing Steering Group on Integration into National Development, launching of Top Talent Pass Scheme, taking forward three major road projects and three strategic railway projects, establishing the $30 billion Co-Investment Fund, etc. I think it is a forward-looking and pragmatic report, starting a new chapter for Hong Kong advancing from stability to prosperity.
Amended motion on “Expediting the development of green transformation in Hong Kong”
At the LegCo meeting on 2 Nov, I moved an amendment to the motion “Expediting the development of green transformation in Hong Kong” and urged the Government to actively implement Hong Kong’s Climate Action Plan 2050 by formulating more concrete timetables and key performance indicators for the implementation of various measures, and striving to achieve the target of ‘carbon neutrality’ before 2050; in the planning of the Northern Metropolis and other new development areas, tying in with the concept of smart city, incorporating more planning elements of green building, and drawing reference from the implementation experience of the district cooling system in the Kai Tak Development; and establishing a ‘credit guarantee fund for environment-friendly equipment’ to support local enterprises; continuing the promotion of carbon audit, including the provision of financial incentives by offering tax deduction of two to three times the enterprises’ total expenditure on environment-friendly equipment; and through such policies as land premium or plot ratio concessions, encouraging developers to construct green buildings and install relevant smart surveillance devices, so as to develop Hong Kong into a low carbon city. The original motion and the amendments from me and two other members were passed.
Raised a question regarding strengthening tree management
On 26 Oct, I raised a question regarding strengthening tree management at the LegCo meeting. I asked the Government whether the authorities stepped up inspection on trees located in areas with high pedestrian and vehicular traffic flows over the past three years; whether it will step up the application of smart technology, so as to enhance the efficiency of tree inspection and strengthen tree risk management; and whether it will review and revise the “Guidelines for Tree Risk Assessment and Management Arrangement” and the “Street Tree Selection Guide” to improve the policy on tree planting and strengthen the coordination work for territory-wide tree management. Please view my question and the Government’s reply via the following link: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202210/26/P2022102600223.htm?fontSize=3
Funding requests approved by the PWSC and the FC
At the PWSC meeting on 26 Oct, members endorsed a funding application of $2,334.2 million to relocate the existing Diamond Hill Fresh Water and Salt Water Service Reservoirs. Another funding request of $1,499.0 million was passed as well for the construction of a new public market in Tin Shui Wai. The projects together with the others would be forwarded to the FC for final funding approval.
At the FC meeting on 21 Oct, members endorsed the funding projects of site formation and infrastructure works for public housing development at Kennedy Town and Yuen Long with the cost of $927.9 million and $2,691.0 million respectively.
Visited the Black Point Power Station
I visited CLP Power’s Black Point Power Station with other LegCo members on 15th Oct to know more about the company’s decarbonisation strategy. We toured CLP Power’s new gas-fired generation unit D1 which commenced operation in mid-2020, and another new gas-fired generation unit D2 which is under construction. The new D1 unit substantially increased the proportion of natural gas in CLP Power’s fuel mix and further reduced the carbon intensity of electricity generation.
Participated in seasonal influenza vaccination event at the LegCo
The Scientific Committees under the Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health reached a consensus in August this year that COVID-19 vaccines can be administered at the same time with other vaccines, including seasonal influenza vaccines. On 26 Oct, I received seasonal influenza vaccination at the LegCo. Together with new LegCo members, I encouraged the public to receive the vaccination.
