HK CE unveils plans to revive economy in policy address

Hong Kong's Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor started her widely awaited fourth Policy Address Wednesday with a pledge to uphold "one country, two systems" and with a promise to revive the special administrative region's economy battered by social unrest and the COVID-19 pandemic.

In opening her address at Hong Kong's Legislative Council, Lam stressed the SAR's economic integration with the Chinese mainland as the focal point of her blueprint. She cited the central government's strong policy support in maintaining lasting prosperity and stability in Hong Kong.

Lam cited Chapter 4 of the Basic Law to emphasize her laid out role and that there is no conflict between a committed executive and an independent judiciary. She said external forces had so grossly interfered with Hong Kong affairs that the central government had to step in to guarantee Hong Kong residents' rights and freedoms in accordance with the Basic Law.

Lam said the Law of the People's Republic of China on Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress's (NPCSC) decision on the qualification of LegCo members had absolute legal basis and the CE repeatedly stressed the rule of law in Hong Kong.