Remarks by Acting CE at media session before ExCo (with video)
Following are the remarks by the Acting Chief Executive, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, at a media session before the Executive Council meeting today (February 11):
Reporter: Good morning, Mr Chan. Some English questions. First about HKMAO Director Xia Baolong's meeting with Hong Kong officials. How did the Government address Mr Xia on matters such as a budget deficit that Hong Kong is facing, and secondly, has the SAR Government formally filed a complaint to the World Trade Organization (WTO) regarding US tariffs on imports, and what further actions will the Government consider to take in response to the Trump administration's move? Thank you.
Acting Chief Executive: Thank you. Director Xia visited Hong Kong last Sunday, and he visited Hetao. I, together with other Principal Officials, reported to him the present situation of Hetao and also the future development of the Hetao area. Later on, in the afternoon, the Financial Secretary, together with some Principal Officials, attended a discussion session in Guangdong to report to Director Xia about the economic situation of Hong Kong. Director Xia is very concerned about Hong Kong. He highly recognised the work of the Hong Kong SAR Government under the leadership of the Chief Executive, and he also directed that we should try our very best to integrate into the Mainland's national policies, especially the Greater Bay Area initiative. I think this is very important to Hong Kong. Of course, I think this is a very good occasion for us to communicate with Director Xia, so that we have a clear understanding of how the Central Government is thinking, especially how we should make good co-operation with our Guangdong counterparts.
Regarding the US tariffs on Hong Kong, I think this is absolutely inconsistent with the WTO rules, of course, and also they have totally disregarded that Hong Kong is a separate customs territory. We will file a complaint with the WTO regarding this unreasonable arrangement.
(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the remarks.)
Notice on appointments to advisory and statutory bodies
A Government spokesman said today (January 12) that Mr Chan Kin-por recently sought approval from the Chief Executive to suspend his three public positions as appointed by the Chief Executive, until the completion of the work of the Independent Committee in relation to the fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po (Independent Committee). Mr Chan made this request to allow himself more time to dedicate to the work of the Independent Committee. After due consideration, the Chief Executive has agreed to and approved this request. The three public positions are: (1) Chairman of Independent Commission Against Corruption Advisory Committee on Corruption; (2) Non-executive Director of Urban Renewal Authority Board; and (3) Member of Honours and Non-official Justices of the Peace Selection Committee.
On December 12, 2025, the Government established the Independent Committee to examine the causes of the incident and related issues, ascertain the facts, and make recommendations on preventing similar tragedies and on improvement measures. The Independent Committee is chaired by Mr Justice David Lok, with Mr Chan Kin-por and Dr Rex Auyeung Pak-kuen serving as members. The Independent Committee held its first meeting on December 19 last year and aims to complete its work within nine months of commencing operations.
Mr Chan Kin-por wrote earlier to the Chief Executive, expressing his wish to suspend the aforementioned three public positions until the Independent Committee completes its work, in order to dedicate more time and focus to the Independent Committee's tasks. The Chief Executive has agreed to and approved the request.
A Government spokesperson said that since the fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, both the Government and the wider community have been highly concerned about the causes of the incident and the follow-up work. The scope of the Independent Committee's work is extensive, particularly concerning systemic issues related to bid-rigging and connected interests. Given the numerous issues involved and their complex nature, the Government will fully co-operate with the Independent Committee to ensure that it can complete its work and compile its report within nine months. The Government extends its gratitude to Mr Chan for accepting the appointment as a member of the Independent Committee and for his professional and conscientious approach to the Committee's work. When the Independent Committee's work is completed, the Government looks forward to Mr Chan's continuous contribution through his aforementioned public positions.
Source: AI-found images
