John Lee: Hong Kong steadily moved towards prosperity last year, fully committed to boosting the economy and accelerating development in the northern region

Chief Executive John Lee stated today (29th) at the award ceremony for the selection of the ten major tasks of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government in 2025 that looking back at 2025, Hong Kong is steadily moving forward on a new journey from governance to prosperity. This year, we witnessed many events of profound significance for Hong Kong's future development, each outlining our footprints of struggle.

Lee stated that last year, the Hong Kong SAR firmly upheld national security and the spirit of the rule of law, laying a solid foundation for prosperity and stability. The eighth Legislative Council election was successfully held, marking the second Legislative Council election after the improvement of the electoral system, opening a new chapter for further positive interaction between the executive and legislative branches under the principle of "patriots governing Hong Kong." Additionally, the courts made fair rulings on cases endangering national security, demonstrating the determination of Hong Kong to uphold national security and showcasing the spirit of the rule of law. Security is the cornerstone of development, and the rule of law is the guarantee of freedom. These two major events are interrelated and have consolidated the fundamental conditions for Hong Kong's transition from governance to prosperity.

He mentioned that the government made every effort last year to promote economic development and strengthen Hong Kong's international competitiveness. The Kai Tak Sports Park, which grandly opened in March last year, has successfully hosted multiple international and local events over the past six months, providing a world-class stage for Hong Kong's event economy and becoming a new engine driving the sports, tourism, and cultural industries. Last year, Hong Kong continued to be recognized as the world's freest economy and one of the top three financial centers globally. The Hong Kong gold market is developing rapidly, and this week it signed a cooperation agreement with the Shanghai Gold Exchange to promote the establishment of a gold central clearing system in Hong Kong and deepen the connectivity between the Hong Kong and Shanghai markets.

To accelerate development, the government has simplified administrative procedures and expedited the development of the Northern Metropolis, which is a crucial growth engine for Hong Kong's future. Among them, the Hong Kong Park of the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Cooperation Zone will open by the end of the year, fully developing into an international innovation hub.

Lee noted that last year, the people of Hong Kong went through difficult times together, witnessing the love of humanity and the unity of Hong Kong in times of crisis. The fire at the Hong Fu Court in Tai Po was a heartbreaking incident. In the face of disaster, the SAR government responded swiftly, with personnel from fire services, police, medical, and social welfare working hard to rescue and support, giving their all. We deeply felt the care of the central government for Hong Kong, the friendship of compatriots from the mainland towards Hong Kong, and the spirit of Hong Kong people working together and helping each other.

As we enter the new year, we need to forge ahead, transforming sorrow into motivation for progress and integrating our efforts into our daily work. The government will consolidate and improve executive leadership, unite all patriotic forces, and promote Hong Kong's continued active integration into and service of the national development agenda, proactively aligning with national strategies such as the 14th Five-Year Plan, while implementing systematic reforms with the determination to break down barriers of interest, making Hong Kong a better shared home