CE chairs second meeting of Steering Group on Integration into National Development
22.3.2023

As Chairperson of the Steering Group on Integration into National Development, the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, chaired the Steering Group's second meeting today (March 22). Joining him were the Steering Group's three deputies, ie, the Chief Secretary for Administration, the Financial Secretary and the Secretary for Justice; all Deputy Secretaries of Departments and Directors of Bureaux, etc. The meeting focused on discussing strategies for Hong Kong on promoting integration into national development, namely the latest developments, future key initiatives and work plans of the National 14th Five-Year Plan, the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area development, the Belt and Road Initiative as well as different regional co-operation matters between Hong Kong and the Mainland. Mr Lee said that when he led eight Directors of Bureaux to call on central ministries and institutions last week, he was delighted that every ministry and institution supported the successful implementation of the "one country, two systems" principle in Hong Kong and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region's (HKSAR) integration into the overall national development. He believes that the support from the ministries and institutions is conducive to pressing ahead with Hong Kong's integration into national development efficiently at full steam. He pointed out that in promoting Hong Kong's integration into the overall development of the country, the HKSAR Government needs to play a role to make achievements and best take forward particularly three aspects of work. Firstly, all policy bureaux should spare no effort in conducting research, especially when consulting relevant trade and stakeholders. Secondly, it is about planning and co-ordination. Leading Principal Officials should play an active role. Thirdly, targets should be set and regular supervision on progress should be conducted. In co-ordinating and supervising the implementation, the three deputies will demonstrate their leadership in taking forward the work concerned. With the full resumption of connections and travel between Hong Kong and the Mainland, Mr Lee requested and encouraged the Secretaries of Departments, Directors of Bureaux and civil servants of the HKSAR Government to visit more often different provinces and cities in the Mainland and establish connections, enhance relationships, promote communication and co-operation with relevant central and regional units, thereby creating more favourable conditions for Hong Kong's integration into the overall national development. Established by the HKSAR Government at the end of last year, the Steering Group on Integration into National Development aims to promote and supervise work on integrating into the national development from a macro perspective. The Steering Group is chaired by the Chief Executive, with three Secretaries of Departments as deputies, enhancing the leadership from "1" to "1+3". In addition, the Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs and the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development serve as secretary generals of three subgroups to support the work of three deputies. The Steering Group will adhere to the principles of being proactive and pragmatic, and achieve mutual benefits when formulating and implementing various policy initiatives, with a view to enhancing Hong Kong's active integration into the national development, grasping the unlimited opportunities brought by the country's development, and creating strong impetus for the growth of the HKSAR. Ends/Wednesday, March 22, 2023 Issued at HKT 19:32 NNNN