The Chief Executive's Interactive Exchange Question and Answer Session in the Legislative Council (LegCo) this Thursday (Jan. 25), CE John Lee said at a press conference today (Jan. 23).
"This time I will mainly explore two issues: one is to promote the urban economy, and the other is the legislation of Article 23 of the Basic Law. I'm looking forward to having a positive interaction with Members," he noted.
Lee pointed out that Hong Kong's mega-events will come one after another, attracting visitors from all over the world, which will not only increase Hong Kong's competitiveness and business opportunities, but also bring huge economic benefits to Hong Kong, boosting the economic benefits of the tourism, hotel and catering, and retail sectors.
"Figures show that for every 1.5 million visitors, Hong Kong's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) will grow by about 0.1 percentage points."
Lee mentioned that the issues he would like to explore with Members on the promotion of the urban economy are: how the government and various sectors of the community can work together to promote and attract more mega-events to Hong Kong; what the industry can do to add value to mega-events, and how to enhance the good experience and impression of visitors to create a "magnet effect", which will, in turn, attract more tourists to Hong Kong; and how the industry can turn "popularity" into "financial strength".
Regarding the legislation of Article 23, Lee said the government would complete the legislative work as soon as possible. He said that national security is the best safeguard for the well-being of the people and economic development.
"I'll explore with Members how Hong Kong should ensure that the legislation of Article 23 is forward-looking in the face of the ever-changing risks of national security in the future, and safeguard the security of Hong Kong in terms of national security and the interests of Hong Kong's long-term prosperity and stability," he added.
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