Budget Speech
Concluding Remarks
218. Mr President, life has not been easy during the past three years, and sometimes we might inevitably feel disheartened. With the epidemic now coming to an end, we are free to travel again. Mega events are resuming one after another. I now see many happy faces around, as people start to reconnect with each other and cherish the moments they are spending together. I am deeply touched by these scenes, which inspired me to come up with the idea of launching the "Happy Hong Kong" Campaign that comprises a wide variety of events. I hope that people can share more joyful moments with their families and friends through participating in these fun-filled activities.
219. Happiness can actually be found just around the corner. Over the past few years, more people have developed an interest in joining fascinating local tours. They have discovered the beauty of our countryside, the elegance of our historical buildings as well as a wide range of gourmet food in various districts. Each discovery brings us a happy memory. If only we feel the things around us with our heart, we will see that there is so much to treasure in this city.
220. Recently, I have made quite a number of overseas visits and received many visiting guests. It left a deep impression on me that many misconceptions about Hong Kong exist overseas. Often, such misconceptions originate from biased news reporting. After all, interaction between Hong Kong and the outside world has been hindered for more than three years and many of those living overseas have been prevented from visiting Hong Kong. Henceforth, showcasing the new strengths of Hong Kong to the outside world is our top priority. In the midst of complicated and volatile international relations, it is all the more important that we stand firm in explaining the actual situation in Hong Kong and establish new connections and friendships. While we will strain every nerve to get the job done, your concerns and efforts in this regard are also crucial. History has taught us that Hong Kong people can always turn crises into opportunities in turbulent and stormy times, and achieve still greater development.
221. Under "One Country, Two Systems", Hong Kong's orientation and positioning in the global arena serve a crucial role. In spite of all the trials and tribulations, we still have many friends around the world, both old and new, who are always ready to offer us valuable advice and suggestions. Our country sustains high-quality development and adheres to the strategy of two-way opening up under the principle of reciprocity and mutual benefits. These, together with our country's staunch and robust support to Hong Kong, enable us to explore new markets and forge new partnerships in the current international landscape.
222. Under the leadership of the Chief Executive, the new-term Government embraces a new paradigm and a new outlook by giving its all with vigour and competence. As stated by President Xi Jinping in his important speech on 1 July 2022, the next five years are important for Hong Kong to break new ground and achieve another leap forward. While there are both opportunities and challenges for the future of Hong Kong, opportunities definitely outnumber challenges. On this new journey towards the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, Hong Kong has a unique and crucial role to play and an irreplaceable function to perform. I therefore have full confidence in the future of Hong Kong.
223. Hong Kong people, as always, have no fear of challenges. In fact, challenges nurture greater creativity and capability. The story of Hong Kong in the past few decades reveals our success in overcoming one challenge after another, and each time scaling new heights. Each and every one of us has a place in Hong Kong's success story. We all need to keep striving for a better future for Hong Kong, contributing to its success. Fellow citizens, I can say with certainty that Hong Kong will forge ahead in the new era, on a new stage and along a new journey!
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