HK government's practical efforts win wide support

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2006-10-11 21:33

Hong Kong government's policy address won support from business world and professionals Wednesday by putting most concerned issues of Hong Kong people at the top of its policy agenda.

Donald Tsang, the Chief Executive of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), said in his policy address Wednesday that boosting economic development, helping families and intensifying efforts to protect the environment will top the government's policy agenda in the next year.

Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce said it supported the government's position in saving the deteriorating environment, reducing obstacles in business development and strengthening the cooperation with the Chinese Mainland.

The Chinese Manufactures' Association of Hong Kong said in its statement that the government's decision in supporting families and strengthening environment protection showed the government's efforts in putting people first while attaching importance to economic, culture and social developments.

Federation of Hong Kong Industries said the policy address showed the government's spirit of putting people first and developing harmonious society. It supports the government's decision of consolidating the basis of Hong Kong's free economy.

Kwok Ping-kwong, Vice Chairman of Hong Kong's leading property group, Sun Hung Kai Properties, said the new policy pledged to take several measures in families development and education which are favorable to long term social stability and prosperity.

Cathay Pacific's Chief Executive Philip Chen said the policy address' commitment to expanding Hong Kong's air services network as well as air cargo capacity at Hong Kong International Airport are important measures in strengthening Hong Kong's position as air transport hub.

Nongovernmental and educational groups showed their appreciation of environmental and educational measures addressed in Tsang's policy.

Regina Ip Lau Suk-yee, former government official and founder of a nongovernmental brain bank, said the policy address is constructive and its measures on environment protection are in the right direction.

Hong Kong Association of Educators said the financial supporting policy to kindergarten is a break through in improving Hong Kong's preschool education and beneficial to Hong Kong's educational development in long term.