Speech by CE at Greater Bay Area Conference 2025 (with video)
Following is the video speech by the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, at the Greater Bay Area Conference 2025 today (October 23):
Honourable Vice-Chairman C Y Leung (Vice-Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and Chief Convenor of the Hong Kong Coalition), Mr Qu Yingpu (Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of China Daily), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
Good morning. It gives me great pleasure to join you virtually at the Greater Bay Area Conference 2025. To those visiting Hong Kong, a very warm welcome to all of you.
Let me begin by congratulating China Daily and the Hong Kong Coalition for co-organising this meaningful event. Your dedication to fostering dialogue and collaboration across industries has drawn professionals and industry leaders to today's event.
Today's conference will help to create important momentum to the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, a cluster city development that brings together Hong Kong, Macao, and nine Mainland cities in Guangdong.
With an area of some 56 000 square kilometres, the Greater Bay Area has a population of over 87 million. At last count, its GDP has surpassed US$ 2 trillion. In other words, this piece of land occupying under 1 per cent of our country's landmass, and inhabited by under 6 per cent of the country's population, has a GDP that closely rivals that of the world's tenth largest economy.
Hong Kong is the only world city that converges both the China advantage and the global advantage. It stands as a premier gateway for co-operation, bridging people, trades, businesses, cultures and values across the region. As a core city of the Greater Bay Area, Hong Kong is dedicated to leveraging its advantages under the "one country, two systems" principle to promote high-quality collaborations worldwide.
Hong Kong boasts a long and established tradition of the rule of law. We maintain a common law system that dovetails with most global financial hubs. Our tax system is simple, and our tax rate is as low as it is competitive. Our workforce is multi-talented, hard-working, and well-versed with the business language of both the Mainland and the world.
Given the ever-changing global trade order, and our country's steadfast commitment to multilateralism, there is fast-growing demand around the globe for "Made in China" products. I see growing opportunities in helping Mainland companies go global through Hong Kong's world-class professional services.
In my Policy Address last month, I announced the establishment of a task force focused on supporting Mainland enterprises in going global. This GoGlobal Task Force has already been launched earlier this month, by bringing together the overseas offices of Invest Hong Kong and the Trade Development Council, as well as Hong Kong offices on the Mainland.
It is given a simple and important mandate: to assist Mainland companies in taking their businesses globally. And, through the process, create important value for both our country and Hong Kong. For a better tomorrow of us all.
That tomorrow is certainly innovation-driven. The Government is expediting Hong Kong's development as an international I&T (innovation and technology) centre. We will make available land resources for the rapid development of technology and technological transformation.
The Hong Kong Park of the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone, an area that radiates beyond our boundary with Shenzhen, officially enters its operational phase this year.
We are working closely with Mainland authorities to promote the efficient cross-boundary flow of innovation elements in the Co-operation Zone on a pilot basis. With the Shenzhen-Hong Kong-Guangzhou cluster ranking first, for the very first time, in this year's Global Innovation Index Ranking of the World's Top 100 Innovation Clusters, I am confident that our collective strength in the Greater Bay Area will boost the country's global competitiveness.
On nurturing talent, I highlighted in my Policy Address that the integrated development of education, technology and talent is a foundational and strategic pillar for progress in the new era. It enables Hong Kong to build rich talent resources, knowledge reserve, and capacities for scientific and technological innovation, thereby enhancing our competitiveness.
The Government is pressing ahead with efforts to build Hong Kong into an international education hub, leveraging our distinctive advantage of being home to five universities ranked among the world's top 100. We will promote the "Study in Hong Kong" brand, increasing the number of self-financing places for non-local students at our post-secondary institutions to 50 per cent. That, ladies and gentlemen, will create a more diverse and international student body for our education hub.
Culture is our root – it connects people and enriches communities. Hong Kong thrives as an east-meets-west centre for international cultural exchange. Through extensive people-to-people ties in the region, we are building cultural bridges that connect Hong Kong with different cities across the Greater Bay Area and the rest of the world.
In less than three weeks, the 15th National Games will be held. I hope all of you will take the opportunity to discover and experience Hong Kong's dynamic spirit, vibrant energy and warm hospitality. I am confident that your time here will lead to meaningful connections and lasting impressions.
Ladies and gentlemen, I encourage you to share your insights on the future of the Greater Bay Area. Your perspectives are vital to shaping a more connected, innovative, and prosperous region. A better bay area for the enjoyment of a world of visitors.
I wish the Conference every success and all participants a fruitful and rewarding day. Thank you.
Source: AI-found images
HKSAR Government strongly condemns Washington Post editorial on Subsidiary Legislation safeguarding national security
The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) today (June 13) strongly condemns the wanton slander and groundless allegations made by The Washington Post in its article entitled "Hong Kong's nightmare gets darker", criticising the Safeguarding National Security (Procedural Matters) Regulation (Procedural Matters Regulation). The article clearly exposes The Washington Post's irrational anti-China stance and double standards, falling well short of what is expected of professional journalism.
A spokesperson for the HKSAR Government stated, "In accordance with international law based on the Charter of the United Nations, it is each and every sovereign state's inherent right, as well as an international practice, to enact laws safeguarding national security. With at least 21 pieces of legislation in the United States (US) safeguarding national security, anti-China media, in particular The Washington Post, shamelessly display its hypocrisy and double standards by pointing fingers at the HKSAR as we continuously improve our legal system to fulfill a constitutional duty to safeguard national security."
In response to the article's baseless allegations, the spokesperson points out that, "The Procedural Matters Regulation only aims to state clearly the classification mechanism under the Law of the People's Republic of China on Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKNSL) and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance (SNSO) for 'other offences endangering national security under the law of the HKSAR', thereby bringing even greater certainty to the implementation of the relevant provisions under the HKNSL, the SNSO and other laws.
"Any reasonable and objective person who has studied the three provisions of the Procedural Matters Regulation with care, and observed the relevant discussions at the Legislative Council (LegCo) meetings would have no difficulty in finding that the Procedural Matters Regulation has no retrospective effect at all. It does not create any new offence or alter the penalties of any offence. It certainly does not turn any lawful conduct into an offence. It is not applicable to legal proceedings that are concluded. Yet, The Washington Post falsely and maliciously claimed that 'people can now be charged retroactively for crimes that didn't exist when they allegedly committed them'. Its ignorance of facts and betrayal of the basic tenets of responsible journalism are shocking, irresponsible, and totally unacceptable behaviour for any media organisation.
"More important, the Procedural Matters Regulation will in no way infringe any legitimate right of a defendant. Hong Kong is a place underpinned by the rule of law. The guilt or innocence of a defendant remains a matter to be adjudicated by the court independently and in accordance with law. The court will, as always, ensure a defendant's right to a fair trial. Article 4 of the HKNSL stipulates that human rights shall be respected and protected in safeguarding national security. The rights and freedoms, which the residents of the HKSAR enjoy under the Basic Law and the provisions of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights as applied to Hong Kong, shall be protected in accordance with the law. Article 5 stipulates that the principle of the rule of law shall be adhered to in preventing, suppressing, and imposing punishment for offences endangering national security, which includes protection for the right to defend oneself and other rights in judicial proceedings that a criminal suspect and defendant are entitled to under the law. Section 2 of the SNSO also clearly stipulates that the Ordinance is based on the above principle of respect and protection for human rights and the principle of the rule of law."
The spokesperson pointed out, "Another allegation by The Washington Post about the issuance of a certificate by the Chief Executive under Article 47 of the HKNSL or section 115 of the SNSO is plainly wrong. The issuance of the certificate by the Chief Executive is a rigorous and solemn action. As the top official with primary responsibility for safeguarding national security in the HKSAR, the Chief Executive has access to all relevant information, including extremely sensitive intelligence and information on acts and activities endangering national security, which are not suitable for public disclosure. Such confidential information may even pertain to threats by state actors. It follows that the Chief Executive must shoulder the important responsibility, and indeed is in the best position, to make the necessary assessments and exercise the power to issue certificates on whether a criminal act involves national security. It must be firmly stated that this is a very rigorous and cautious process, leaving absolutely no room for uncertainty.
"As a matter of fact, it is a well-established principle at common law, upheld by the highest courts of common law jurisdictions including Hong Kong, the US and the United Kingdom, that the courts accord deference to the assessments and judgments of the executive authorities on national security. Constitutionally, the executive authorities have the responsibility for assessing and addressing risks to national security, whereas the court is tasked to administer justice and adjudicate disputes independently. For institutional reasons, the executive has the requisite experience, expertise, resources and access to information and intelligence, which make it best suited to making evaluative judgments on those matters. Notably, a judgment of the Supreme Court of the US in 2010 (which has been applied in many subsequent Supreme Court judgments) explained why the judiciary must defer to the executive authorities' assessment of national security issues, stating that 'national security and foreign policy concerns arise in connection with efforts to confront evolving threats in an area where information can be difficult to obtain and the impact of certain conduct difficult to assess', and 'the lack of competence on the part of the courts is marked'. Turning a blind eye to the above simply demonstrates The Washington Post's double standards and ignorance."
The spokesperson also stressed that the legislative process on the Procedural Matters Regulation is entirely in compliance with all legal and procedural requirements. "The Procedural Matters Regulation is a piece of subsidiary legislation made under section 110 of the SNSO. It is subject to scrutiny by the LegCo under the negative vetting procedure, as in the case of many other pieces of legislation that are currently in force in Hong Kong. In accordance with section 34 of the Interpretation and General Clauses Ordinance (Cap. 1), the LegCo may pass resolution to amend the subsidiary legislation in any manner consistent with the power to make such subsidiary legislation. As a matter of fact, the LegCo convened a subcommittee on June 11 to study the Procedural Matters Regulation. Members of the subcommittee asked Government officials numerous questions concerning the policy, legal and drafting aspects of the Procedural Matters Regulation, and were satisfied that it is in order in all respects."
Regarding The Washington Post's baseless claim that Hong Kong is ow "a less secure place to visit or do business", the spokesperson said, "It is most appalling that The Washington Post has to resort to dirty tricks and tell bold-faced lies to smear the HKSAR. In fact, a simple online "fact-check" will reveal this is completely at odds with how investors and businesses around the world perceive the HKSAR: Hong Kong has been heralded the world's freest economy for decades; in the World Competitiveness Yearbook 2025, Hong Kong's ranking improved by two places to third globally; Hong Kong continues to rank among the top three international financial centres, and is number one in the world in terms of initial public offering (IPO) fundraising in the first quarter of 2026, as well as the largest cross-boundary wealth management centre.
"Foreign businesses have no reason to worry about the laws safeguarding national security in the HKSAR. In fact, many entrepreneurs welcome such laws, which ensure a safer and more stable environment for investments and economic development. The findings of a survey by the American Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong earlier this year, showed increased confidence in Hong Kong's business environment for 2026; 94 per cent of the respondents expressed confidence in Hong Kong's rule of law, a marked increase from 83 per cent in 2025. It is time for The Washington Post to face facts and respect the truth, including honest opinions expressed by their fellow countrymen who invest their money and do business in and with Hong Kong.
"The HKSAR Government will, as always, resolutely, fully and faithfully implement the HKNSL, the SNSO and other relevant laws safeguarding national security in the HKSAR, to effectively prevent, suppress and impose punishment for acts and activities endangering national security in accordance with the law, while upholding the rights and freedoms of Hong Kong people in accordance with the law, so as to ensure the steadfast and successful implementation of the principle of 'one country, two systems'."
Source: AI-found images
