Response by LegCo President and two Chief Coordinators of LegCo on Chief Executive's announcement this morning
The following is issued on behalf of the Legislative Council Secretariat:
The following is the response by the President of the Legislative Council (LegCo), Dr Starry Lee, and the two Chief Coordinators of LegCo on the Chief Executive's announcement this morning (March 17):
The Chief Executive announced this morning, under the executive-led system, the establishment of a collaborative research and public opinion gathering mechanism between the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) and LegCo, enabling LegCo to effectively assist the HKSAR Government in completing the first Five-Year Plan for the HKSAR within a tight time frame. The Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Bureau and relevant LegCo committees will advance the work through a joint platform.
The HKSAR Government's establishment of the collaboration mechanism with LegCo for this important task is a groundbreaking and innovative move, further demonstrating a positive executive-legislative interaction at a new level. As the most important platform for gathering public views in Hong Kong, and with the Members as representatives of public opinion, LegCo will fully support this mechanism. Members will demonstrate dedication and spare no effort to actively collect views from all sectors. Through comprehensive research and analysis, LegCo will pool ideas and submit reports to the HKSAR Government, so as to outline the important blueprint for the development of the HKSAR and effectively align with the National 15th Five-Year Plan.
Together with the two Chief Coordinators of LegCo (Mr Chan Chun-ying and Mr Stanley Ng) and all other LegCo Members, I eagerly look forward to this collaboration mechanism promptly commencing its work, which is highly important and meaningful for both the country and the HKSAR. We will do our very best to assist the HKSAR Government in completing the city's first Five-Year Plan at the earliest opportunity, cultivating a new collaborative paradigm for good governance of Hong Kong, and working together to pursue development for Hong Kong and bring happiness to the people.
Source: AI-found images
Speech by CS at Kick-off Ceremony of Entertainment Expo Hong Kong 2026
Following is the speech by the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, at the Kick-off Ceremony of Entertainment Expo Hong Kong 2026 today (March 17):
(Deputy Director of the China Film Administration and Director of China Film Archive, Mr Qin Zhengui), (Deputy Director General of the International Cooperation Department of the National Radio and Television Administration and Deputy Director General of the Office of Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan Affairs, Mr Yang Yong), Peter (Chairman of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) Entertainment Industry Advisory Committee, Dr Peter Lam), Fred (Chairman of the HKTDC, Professor Frederick Ma), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
Good afternoon. I am delighted to join you today for the kick-off ceremony of this year's Entertainment Expo Hong Kong, the 22nd edition of this vibrant event.
As Peter noted, this year's Entertainment Expo is particularly special. We are celebrating major milestones of two of its founding events - the 30th anniversary of FILMART, and the 50th anniversary of the Hong Kong International Film Festival. These are not just birthdays; they are testaments to the lasting power and global appeal of Hong Kong's creative industries.
The continued success of these two flagship events, together with the strong line-up of our other six Entertainment Expo gatherings, reflects the creativity, quality and international recognition that Hong Kong's entertainment sector has achieved over the years.
In this regard, FILMART, opening today, remains Asia's leading marketplace. This year, it features over 790 exhibitors from 38 countries and regions.
We are also delighted to see the return of Producers Connect, following its successful launch last year. It continues to focus on what matters most - international collaborations, business matching, and meaningful exchanges with industry leaders through workshops and fireside chats.
Turning to the Hong Kong International Film Festival, opening on April 1, audiences can look forward to 215 films from more than 70 countries and regions. There will also be masterclasses led by internationally renowned filmmakers.
To mark its golden jubilee, a special exhibition - "50 and Beyond: The Hong Kong International Film Festival Golden Jubilee Exhibition" - will feature recorded interviews with filmmakers sharing their Film Festival experiences, as well as rare photographs of celebrated directors and film stars who have appeared at the festival over the past half century.
And there is more. Just last Sunday, we had the 19th Asian Film Awards presentation ceremony. Next month, on April 19, the 44th Hong Kong Film Awards presentation ceremony will shine a spotlight on our local film talent.
This Friday, the Microfilm Production Support Scheme (Music) awards ceremony will showcase winning works from 31 shortlisted Hong Kong teams. The shortlisted teams received funding, professional training, and guidance in production and promotion; a fine example on how we cultivate more talent across various sectors.
Then there's the Hong Kong - Asia Film Financing Forum, which received more than 500 submissions from 47 countries and regions this year. As always, the Forum connects filmmakers with global partners to explore investment and co-production opportunities.
Speaking of which, EntertainmentPulse and the Digital Entertainment Summit will bring together international industry leaders and experts, and discuss opportunities in animation, co-production collaborations, intellectual property, production technologies, short-form films and more.
Behind every event of the Entertainment Expo, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government stands firm in its support. Leading this effort is our Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency under the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau. We are committed to championing the growth of Hong Kong's creative economy.
Beyond the Expo, I encourage you to explore what our city has to offer as a rising East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange. Be sure to visit two unique cinematic exhibitions - "Kowloon Walled City: A Cinematic Journey" - in Kowloon City, and "Yau Ma Tei Police Station: A Cinematic Journey". These are not just displays of movie sets, they are windows into the passion, creativity, and dedication of Hong Kong's filmmaking community.
I am grateful to the Hong Kong Trade Development Council for their passion and creativity in putting together another outstanding Entertainment Expo Hong Kong.
My thanks also go to the China Film Administration and the National Radio and Television Administration for their unwavering support for Entertainment Expo over the years.
Ladies and gentlemen, I wish you another rewarding and inspiring Entertainment Expo. And the best of business and entertainment in the coming year. Thank you.
Source: AI-found images
