Senior government officials on Tuesday extended Chinese New Year greetings, wishing residents a happy, healthy and prosperous Year of the Horse.

Speaking on an RTHK programme, Chief Secretary Eric Chan said the government would continue to steer Hong Kong towards sustained positive growth in the new year.

"In Chinese culture, the horse symbolises vitality, success, and opportunity. This echoes the government’s commitment in the New Year to continue leveraging the advantages of 'One Country, Two Systems' to consolidate the competitiveness of Hong Kong's 'golden brands' in finance, trade, shipping, and aviation,” he said.

“At the same time, we will continue to unite patriotic forces from all sectors of society, and pragmatically advance initiatives beneficial to the public."

Meanwhile, Financial Secretary Paul Chan noted that with the strong support of the country and the joint efforts of the SAR government and citizens, Hong Kong overcame many challenges last year with the economy progressing steadily.

He said the external environment is expected to be challenging in the New Year but stressed that there will also be many opportunities for Hong Kong.

“We will proactively pursue economic growth and development, consolidate and upgrade traditional advantageous industries, as well as explore new markets and develop emerging industries,” he said.

Chan added that the city must leverage its own strengths to better integrate into the country's 15th Five-Year Plan.

Justice Secretary Paul Lam, for his part, stressed that Hong Kong has continued to advance the rule of law with solid backing from the country.

He pointed to the establishment of the International Organization for Mediation last year, along with the planned opening later this year of the Asia-Pacific Liaison Office of the International Institute for the Unification of Private Law.

All of which, the justice minister said, clearly show the international community’s recognition of Hong Kong’s legal strengths.




Edited by KL Tam