Inaugural ceremony of Sixth-term HKSAR Government held

I joined the inaugural ceremony of the sixth-term Government held on 1 July at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. President Xi Jinping administered oaths for the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, and principal officials. President Xi made the remarks and pointed out that the underlying goal of the “one country, two systems” principle is to safeguard national sovereignty, security and development interests and maintain Hong Kong and Macau’s long-term prosperity and stability. President Xi also emphasised that Hong Kong should ensure the exercise of overall jurisdiction by the central government, the high degree of autonomy and “patriots administering Hong Kong”, in addition to maintaining its unique status and advantages. Then President expressed hopes for the new-term Government to enhance governance efficiency, strengthen the momentum of development, address difficulties in people’s lives and maintain harmony and stability.

Funding projects approved at the PWSC and FC meetings

At the FC meeting of 22 July, members agreed to adjust the civil service pay scales in accordance with the decision of the Chief Executive-in-Council on 12 July 2022. With effect from 1 April 2022, an increase of 2.5% of the pay points in the upper, middle and lower salary bands and the directorate of the civil service pay scales. On 15 July, the allocation of $9.6 billion of 11 funding projects relating to public works was approved. Starting from January to July 2022, funding projects with around $89.7 billion were endorsed by the FC.

Promulgation of the overall plan for deepening globally oriented comprehensive co-operation amongst Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao in Nansha of Guangzhou (Nansha Plan)

The Central Government announced the Nansha Plan recently. The Nansha Plan has a clear perspective on Hong Kong, Macao and the wider world, and will become a key medium and provide strong support for the enhanced integration of Hong Kong and Macao into the overall national development. The Nansha Plan sets out five key development directions for Nansha, namely industry co-operation in innovation and technology, co-operation in youth innovation and entrepreneurship, high-standard opening up, regulatory interface and connectivity, and highquality urban development. These directions correspond to policy areas which Hong Kong enjoys comparative advantages in and is determined to develop further. This is conducive to Hong Kong’s proactive participation in the further development of Nansha and support for the implementation of the Nansha Plan.

Subcommittee on Three Pieces of Subsidiary Legislation Relating to Plastic Shopping Bags under the Product Eco-responsibility Ordinance

The Government will amend the regulations and tighten the scope of exemptions under the Plastic Shopping Bags Charging Scheme, while the Amendment Regulation relates to a technical amendment. The Order to Amend Schedule 2 and the Amendment Regulation are subject to positive vetting by LegCo. As the House Committee agreed at its meeting on 17 June 2022 to form a subcommittee to study the three pieces of subsidiary legislation relating to the PSB Charging Scheme, the Government has withdrawn the notice to move the proposed motion to allow time for the subcommittee to study the subsidiary legislation in detail. I joined the subcommittee in July.

Visited new facilities of the Hong Kong International Airport

On 19 July, I visited new facilities of the Hong Kong International Airport such as sky bridge, e-Boarding Gate, 24-hr food court, children’s play area, Icon Shops, etc. I was briefed on art display, interactive games and theatre. I also viewed the sites of SkyPier Terminal, Airportcity Link, the Bays and Automated Car Parks on West and East side of the Passenger Clearance Building. The new facilities will provide an extraordinary edutainment experience for both adults and children travelers.