Public consultation on Budget launched
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     The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government today (December 18) commenced the public consultation exercise for the 2023-24 Budget.

     The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, said, "This year, the COVID pandemic and geopolitical situation have led to global supply chain disruptions, high inflation, interest rate hikes and tightened monetary conditions. Hong Kong's economy is thus under relatively greater downward pressure, and is expected to contract by 3.2 per cent this year. Looking to the year ahead, the external environment will still be complex and challenging; but as our connection and exchanges with the Mainland and the rest of the world resume normal gradually, Hong Kong's economy will likely gather steam again. When preparing for the 2023-24 Budget, we will, on the one hand, continue to strive for stabilising and stimulating the economy as well as easing the pressure on members of the public and businesses; and on the other plan for Hong Kong's long-term development and allocate resources appropriately. I invite members of the community to actively express their views on the coming Budget. Let us join hands to paint a brighter future for Hong Kong."

     Members of the public can share their views through various channels, including visiting the website www.budget.gov.hk or the dedicated Facebook page for the Budget (www.facebook.com/BudgetGovHK), or by email (budget@fstb.gov.hk), phone (2810 3768), fax (2147 5770) or post (Budget Consultation Support Team, 24/F, Central Government Offices, 2 Tim Mei Avenue, Tamar, Hong Kong).

Ends/Sunday, December 18, 2022
Issued at HKT 10:00

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