220 new initiatives announced in HK policy address

Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor announced over 220 new initiatives in her third Policy Address, with particular focus on housing and land supply, on Wednesday.

This year’s address was made via video after the meeting to spell out the government’s annual plan, as the city’s legislature was adjourned due to obstruction from opposition lawmakers.

While some initiatives come in the form of policy directions or options, Lam said the government will listen to people’s views and adjust the content and details of policies accordingly.

Lam’s policy speech comes at a time when Hong Kong has been rocked by months of violence and vandalism.

Breaking from tradition, the government adopted a new approach of launching new initiatives once they are ready this year, be it support to alleviate economic downturn effects or improving people’s livelihoods.

Hence many new initiatives were announced in advance of the address, including enhancing child care services, supporting sports development and enhancing financial support to help owners maintain their old buildings. In August and September, Financial Secretary Paul Chan also announced a series of measures to support enterprises, safeguard jobs and relieve people’s financial burden.