Hong Kong will ‘thrive like a dragon’, city leader John Lee says amid celebrations of first day of Lunar New Year
- John Lee says Hong Kong is packed with opportunities, as mainland China’s economy is ‘expected to improve steadily’
- City’s No 2 official, Chief Secretary Eric Chan, says proposed national security legislation will build a more stable environment allowing people and businesses to thrive
Hong Kong will “thrive like a dragon” in the new year, blessed with opportunities brought by the country’s development, the city’s leader has said, while promising to do his best to drive economic growth and improve people’s livelihoods.
Meanwhile, Hong Kong’s No 2 official said the legislation of a domestic national security law could help to build a more stable city that enabled residents to live more harmoniously and businesses to thrive better.
Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu expressed confidence in the city on Saturday as Hongkongers flocked to the famous Lam Tsuen Wishing Trees in Tai Po on the first day of the Year of the Dragon.
“The legendary dragon is very agile, mighty and courageous. I believe that Hong Kong will be energetic like the dragon this year, be hardworking and enterprising, and get stronger when encountering the strong,” Lee said in a recorded message aired on a radio show.
Lee said the city was packed with opportunities, as mainland China’s economy “was expected to improve steadily”. He also said the gravity of the global economy continued to shift eastward.
“The country’s development offers us the best opportunity. As an international city, Hong Kong also benefits from international opportunities. These are the benefits and advantages brought to Hong Kong under ‘one country, two systems’,” he said, referring to the principle under which the city is governed.
He pledged that his administration would make every effort to strive for economic development and improve people’s livelihood, such as attracting family offices and regional headquarters of foreign businesses to establish in the city.