Transcript of remarks by CE at media session before ExCo (with video)
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Following is the transcript of remarks by the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, at a media session before the Executive Council meeting today (May 23):
Reporter: Just want to add on the (former Secretary for Transport and Housing) Anthony Cheung’s point that you didn't address. Would you review the system because of his concern, and other lawmakers’ concern? Is that it will snowball into a bigger financial burden for future generations? Do you agree that this system should have a control, such as maybe adding the pay fare to $3, so to reduce the Government's burden? And also, we have reported that you plan to visit some Asian countries in July. What's your expectation of these trips? And are you going to meet some people specific in this planned trip? Thank you.
Chief Executive: In regard to this elderly fare concession scheme, I have heard different opinions about how the system can be improved. Of course, we will take all these opinions into consideration. But I think what is most important at this stage is to ensure that the system is not abused. Because looking at the spending patterns in some of the cases, there are suspicions that there are abusive acts. It is important that we will step up enforcement action so that all the abusers are properly dealt with, and we will have a strong deterrent effect to ensure that people really make good use of the fare concession scheme. I have asked the relevant departments to step up enforcement actions. But equally, I think they should step up education campaign as well so that everybody will make good use of the system.
As regard my visits overseas, I have, since I have taken office, and on the resumption of normal travel, been making a lot of visits to promote Hong Kong, to raise Hong Kong's attraction and competitiveness, to develop business opportunities for Hong Kong, and, of course, to sell Hong Kong. I have been receiving very positive responses in all these visits. So all the visits will continue, not just by me but my colleagues. Officials from the Government will be making visits to different places, to some countries in Europe, to some countries in the Middle East, and some countries in the Asia Pacific region. And of course, we will be happy making a lot of visits to different cities in the Mainland. We will make use of all opportunities to develop Hong Kong’s markets for the benefits of Hong Kong. I will be making visits overseas in the coming months as well, as things are being planned out and we have to wait for some details to be confirmed. We will make an announcement when all these details are ironed out and confirmed. Thank you very much.
(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)
Ends/Tuesday, May 23, 2023
Issued at HKT 12:17
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