Following is a question by the Hon Chan Yung and a reply by the Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Miss Alice Mak, in the Legislative Council today (October 14):

Question:

     It is learnt that the Government has established a steering committee and a project planning office to co-ordinate the celebration activities for the 30th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to the motherland. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:

(1) of the expected timeframe for announcement of the overall plan, current progress of the preparation work and timetable of the celebration activities for the 30th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to the motherland, and whether it will study collaborating with the relevant Central authorities and the Mainland cities of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area to jointly co-ordinate national-level celebration projects, so as to expand the impact of the activities;

(2) whether it will roll out celebration activities at three levels, namely community, education and sports, including mobilising resources in 18 districts to organise activities with distinctive characteristics, encouraging various sectors to continue providing special offers on the 1st of July, making good use of the existing patriotic education facilities and red tourism elements to design thematic activities integrating celebration with education, as well as organising the event of Reunification Cup at the Kai Tak Sports Park to bring together tradition and international sports events, with a view to promoting the mega event economy; and

(3) whether it will organise international forums, exhibitions or economic and trade activities relating to Hong Kong's return to the motherland, so as to attract visitors and inward investment, and demonstrate the achievements of the successful implementation of "one country, two systems" in Hong Kong over the past 30 years since its return to the motherland, and how the Government assesses the effectiveness of these activities in reinforcing the international image of Hong Kong and telling good stories of Hong Kong, China?

Reply

President,

     July 1, 2027, marks the glorious and historic moment of the 30th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) and the 30th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to the motherland. This is the first major establishment anniversary Hong Kong celebrates following the full implementation of the principle of "Patriots Administering Hong Kong". It signifies that Hong Kong has entered a historic phase of advancing from stability to prosperity in the march to fully implementing the "one country, two systems" policy, safeguarding national sovereignty and security, and ensuring long-term prosperity and stability. As the country takes forward the National 15th Five-Year Plan in full steam, the HKSAR Government has also formulated Hong Kong's first Five-Year Plan to proactively align with the National 15th Five-Year Plan, ensuring that Hong Kong can better seize the development opportunities while integrating into and serving the overall development of the country.

     Leveraging this important historic moment, the Government will celebrate the extraordinary achievements made over the 30 years of return to the motherland together with all sectors of society and citizens of Hong Kong, while showcasing Hong Kong's ever brighter future to the world. Under the steer of the Chief Executive, the Government has established a steering committee chaired by the Chief Secretary for Administration to provide overall steer on the planning and preparation of celebrations. Designated task forces chaired by the Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration have been set up under the steering committee to co-ordinate and oversee the implementation of specific tasks. The Government has also set up a Project Planning Office to support the steering committee and task forces, and to take forward the planning and preparation work.

     Under the leadership of the steering committee, all Government bureaux and departments are fully committed to organising a diverse and exciting array of celebratory activities for rolling out in 2027. The celebratory activities will cover a wide range of areas and incorporate elements of national education. This will allow members of the public to deepen their understanding of the history and development of the country and Hong Kong while celebrating the anniversary, thereby enhancing their sense of national identity and belonging, and deeply cultivating a sense of patriotism. While sharing the joy of the return to the motherland with the citizens and compatriots in the Chinese Mainland, the Government will also leverage the celebratory activities to showcase Hong Kong's distinctive edge of enjoying strong support of the motherland while being closely connected to the world under the "one country, two systems" principle, and to highlight Hong Kong's unique role and status on the international stage. The opportunity will be taken to tell the good stories of China and Hong Kong to the world, and to demonstrate the good opportunities awaiting Hong Kong under the National 15th Five-Year Plan.  

     Celebrating the 30th anniversary of return to the motherland is keenly anticipated by the entire city. The Government looks forward to the participation and support of all sectors of society, including the Legislative Council, in this important celebration in their different ways. The Government is currently making every effort to plan and advance the celebratory activities for the 30th anniversary; announcements will be made at suitable junctures when plans are firmed up.

     Thank you, President.

Ends/Wednesday, October 14, 2026
Issued at HKT 14:33

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