Remarks by Acting CE at media session before ExCo (with video)
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Reporter: Good morning, Mr Chan. Some English questions. First about HKMAO Director Xia Baolong's meeting with Hong Kong officials. How did the Government address Mr Xia on matters such as a budget deficit that Hong Kong is facing, and secondly, has the SAR Government formally filed a complaint to the World Trade Organization (WTO) regarding US tariffs on imports, and what further actions will the Government consider to take in response to the Trump administration's move? Thank you.
Acting Chief Executive: Thank you. Director Xia visited Hong Kong last Sunday, and he visited Hetao. I, together with other Principal Officials, reported to him the present situation of Hetao and also the future development of the Hetao area. Later on, in the afternoon, the Financial Secretary, together with some Principal Officials, attended a discussion session in Guangdong to report to Director Xia about the economic situation of Hong Kong. Director Xia is very concerned about Hong Kong. He highly recognised the work of the Hong Kong SAR Government under the leadership of the Chief Executive, and he also directed that we should try our very best to integrate into the Mainland's national policies, especially the Greater Bay Area initiative. I think this is very important to Hong Kong. Of course, I think this is a very good occasion for us to communicate with Director Xia, so that we have a clear understanding of how the Central Government is thinking, especially how we should make good co-operation with our Guangdong counterparts.
Regarding the US tariffs on Hong Kong, I think this is absolutely inconsistent with the WTO rules, of course, and also they have totally disregarded that Hong Kong is a separate customs territory. We will file a complaint with the WTO regarding this unreasonable arrangement.
(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the remarks.)
Ends/Tuesday, February 11, 2025
Issued at HKT 12:40
Issued at HKT 12:40
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Audio / Video
Acting Chief Executive meets the media