​The Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui, today (April 9) met with representatives from the financial services and insurance sectors at three briefing sessions to continue to provide explanations on the improvements to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR)'s electoral system, exchanging views with them and taking their questions.
      
     In the meetings, Mr Hui first elaborated on the objectives and highlights in the amended Annex I and Annex II to the Basic Law as endorsed by the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress. He reiterated the necessity and urgency of the improvements, highlighting that they have defined the institutional arrangement for the implementation of "patriots administering Hong Kong".
      
     Mr Hui added that improving the electoral system can safeguard the overall interests of society and enhance the governance efficacy of the HKSAR, ensuring the continued success of "one country, two systems" for maintaining the stability and prosperity of Hong Kong.

     He added, "The National 14th Five-Year Plan supports and enhances Hong Kong's status as an international financial centre. We will continue to work on all fronts to develop vigorously our financial markets and infrastructure, and nurture professionals with diverse talents for better integration of Hong Kong into the overall development of our country."
      
     Today's briefings were joined by almost 50 members from different professions of the financial services industry and the insurance sector. Mr Hui appealed to them to support and co-operate with the Government in their work to improve the electoral system, adding that he would continue to provide explanations to the public for the better understanding of the community at large.

     Also present at the briefings were the Permanent Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury (Financial Services), Ms Salina Yan; the Under Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Joseph Chan; and the Political Assistant to the Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Julian Ip.

Ends/Friday, April 9, 2021
Issued at HKT 19:45

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