The 2021 Policy Address is the fifth and final Policy Address of the current-term of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government which will end on 30 June 2022. Looking back, the past four years and three months have been one of the most challenging periods of Hong Kong after the Reunification; confronted by some unprecedented difficulties related to the year-long social unrest from June 2019 and the COVID-19 pandemic since January 2020 which is still haunting many parts of the world. Thanks to the staunch support of the Central Government and resolute measures taken by the National People's Congress and its Standing Committee to enact and implement in Hong Kong the National Security Law and amend Annex I and Annex II to the Basic Law to improve Hong Kong's electoral system, Hong Kong is now back on the track of “One Country, Two Systems”. By steadfastly upholding this important principle, we can look to a bright future. This Policy Address Supplement serves to give a full account of the achievements on a cumulative basis in respect of measures outlined in the four previous Policy Addresses and provide a glimpse into the future with a wide range of new initiatives building on Hong Kong's strengths and support of the Central Government as reflected in the Nation's 14th Five-Year Plan and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. Despite the chaos and disruptions experienced in the past two years or so, I am pleased to report that 96% of over 900 new initiatives pledged in the last four Policy Addresses and related documents have been completed or are progressing on schedule. I wish to express my most sincere gratitude to all politically appointed officials, civil servants and relevant public bodies as well as the large number of members serving on government boards and committees for their dedication and contribution. A government's performance should not be measured by numbers alone. It should also be judged by its willingness to tackle long standing problems, its boldness to act and its determination to confront controversial issues. The current-term Government has achieved major breakthroughs in pricing subsidised sale flats according to families' affordability, resuming privately-owned land for public housing, building transitional housing, improving labour welfare, promoting primary healthcare, banning e-cigarettes, legislating for municipal waste charging, introducing tax reform and pledging long-term environmental goals such as attaining carbon neutrality by 2050. The Government has also invested heavily in innovation and technology and increased recurrent funding for health, education and social welfare. This Supplement was prepared adopting the same format in the two previous editions which has proven to be more reader-friendly. There are altogether eight chapters. Chapter II reports on the Government's work in upholding the fundamental policy of “One Country, Two Systems” while Chapter III outlines the actions relating to Hong Kong combating the pandemic. From Chapter IV onwards, each chapter is compiled around a policy theme with four sections: “From Belief to Implementation”; “Infographics”; “Achievements”; and “New Initiatives”. About 310 new initiatives are included in this Supplement and the 2021 Policy Address I delivered in the Legislative Council today. Mrs Carrie Lam Chief Executive Hong Kong Special Administrative Region 6 October 2021

 “… Hong Kong will emerge stronger as a result of two important decisions made by the National People's Congress over the past year to safeguard implementation of the “One Country, Two Systems” principle in Hong Kong, namely the enactment of the National Security Law and its promulgation for implementation in Hong Kong and amendments to Annex I and Annex II to the Basic Law on Hong Kong's electoral arrangements.” “One Country, Two Systems” is the best institutional arrangement to ensure Hong Kong's long-term prosperity and stability after our return to the Motherland. It embodies the Chinese vision which values openness and inclusiveness and meets the interest of the people of Hong Kong. Being a pioneering initiative, its application encounters problems, some of which have severely disrupted our society and weakened the national identity of some Hong Kong people. Thanks to resolute actions taken by the Central Authorities, Hong Kong is back on the right track. To ensure the full and faithful implementation of “One Country, Two Systems”, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) is duty bound to safeguard national security, uphold the constitutional relationship between the Central Authorities and the HKSAR, and instil a strong sense of national identity among Hong Kong people. Implementation of the National Security Law has restored stability in the city. People can once again enjoy their legitimate rights and freedoms. The Police and Government prosecutors are enforcing the law vigilantly and our courts are adjudicating national security cases without any interference. With Government's stepped up publicity and education, people have a better understanding of national security and law-abiding awareness. However, there remains a lot to be done by the Government and various sectors in society to prevent and suppress acts and activities undermining national security. These include enhancing existing legislation, raising institutional awareness, promoting national security education, building stronger anti-terrorism capacity, and strengthening public communication and supervision over matters concerning national security. The National Security Committee chaired by the Chief Executive will continue to provide the necessary leadership and guidance. With the enactment of the Improving Electoral System (Consolidated Amendments) Ordinance in May 2021, elections to the expanded Election Committee took place smoothly on 19 September; preparations are underway to ensure that the General Election of the Seventh Term Legislative Council and the Sixth Term Chief Executive Election respectively on 19 December 2021 and 27 March 2022 will be conducted in a fair and open manner. These elections will put in practice the important principle of “patriots administering Hong Kong” and facilitate executive-led government. Hong Kong can look forward to significantly enhancing effective governance under the improved political structure. At the same time, Hong Kong has to maintain the robust institutions underpinning the unique system under “One Country, Two Systems”. They include the rule of law, judicial independence, an anti-corruption regime, a clean and efficient civil service, a stable monetary system, and international connectivity. We have to effectively counter misrepresentations of Hong Kong overseas and unfounded attacks on our systems. We have to tell the Hong Kong story with pride and confidence: the practice of “One Country, Two Systems” is a success bringing long-term prosperity and stability to Hong Kong.

30th June 2020 The Law of the People's Republic of China on Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region was listed in Annex III to the Basic Law, and took effect at 11pm the same day. 1st July 2020 The National Security Department of the Hong Kong Police Force was established. 3rd July 2020 Committee for Safeguarding National Security of the HKSAR was established. 6th July 2020 The Chief Executive, in conjunction with the Committee for Safeguarding National Security of the HKSAR, made the Implementation Rules pursuant to Article 43 of the Hong Kong National Security Law, which came into operation on 7 July 2020. 8th July 2020 Office for Safeguarding National Security of the Central People's Government in the HKSAR was established. 11th August 2020 The Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress (NPCSC)decided that the 6th term Legislative Council (LegCo) would continue to discharge duties for not less than one year until the commencement of the 7th term LegCo to address the lacuna in the legislature arising from the postponement of 2020 LegCo General Election due to the severe COVID-19 epidemic situation. 11th November 2020 Four legislators were disqualified by decision of the NPCSC, which states that a LegCo Member must fulfil the legal requirements and conditions on upholding the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China (the Basic Law) and swearing allegiance to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China. 16th & 18th December 2020 Oaths taken by Undersecretaries, Political Assistants,Permanent Secretaries, Heads of Departments and senior directorate civil servants. 4th February 2021 Guidelines on school administration for safeguarding national security and the Curriculum Framework of National Security Education issued to schools in Hong Kong. 11th March 2021 Decision on improving the electoral system of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region passed at the 4th session of the 13th National People’s Congress (NPC). 30th March 2021 Amendments to Annex I and Annex II to the Basic Law for improving the electoral system of the HKSAR passed by the NPCSC. 21st May 2021 Public Offices (Candidacy and Taking Up Offices) (Miscellaneous Amendments) Ordinance 2021 came into force. 31st May 2021 Improving Electoral System (Consolidated Amendments) Ordinance 2021 came into force. Reconstituted composition of LegCo The Reconstituted LegCo comprises 90 Members, including 40 Members returned by the Election Committee, 30 Members returned by functional constituencies, and 20 Members returned by geographical constituencies through direct elections. Reconstituted composition of Election Committee The Reconstituted Election Committee comprises 1 500 seats, including - 1st Sector: Industrial, commercial and financial sectors - 300 seats 2nd Sector: The professions - 300 seats 3rd Sector: Grassroots, labour, religious and other sectors - 300 seats 4th Sector: LegCo Members, representatives of district organisations and other organisations - 300 seats 5th Sector: HKSAR deputies to the NPC, HKSAR members of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) and representatives of Hong Kong members of relevant national organisations - 300 seats

143 persons arrested 85 persons and 3 companies charged for suspected violation of the National Security Law (NSL) and other offences 1 person convicted and sentenced by the court (as at 31 August2021)

Over 170 000 civil servants took oath or signed declaration Over 120 training sessions, talks and seminars organised

Offences against public order dropped by 93% Arson cases dropped by 76% Robbery cases dropped by 52% Criminal damage cases dropped by 39%

Over 450 talks, training sessions and events organised and over 860 000 persons attended Over 170 000 views for online Constitution Day Seminar Over 78 000 persons attended 2021 National Security Education Day events; over 348 000 views for thematic websites (as at 31 August 2021)

Bill passed (2017-2018 to 2020-2021 legislative year) 2017-2018 legislative year: 27 2018-2019 legislative year: 17 2019-2020 legislative year: 22 2020-2021 legislative year: 46 (including bills pending resumption of Second Reading debate by end of the legislative session) Funding approved for works and non-works (2017-2018 to 2020-2021 legislative year) 2017-2018 legislative year: HK$251 billion 2018-2019 legislative year: HK$122 billion 2019-2020 legislative year: HK$279 billion (not including the Anti-epidemic Fund and other epidemic-related measures) 2020-2021 legislative year: HK$322 billion (not including the Anti-epidemic Fund and other epidemic-related measures, but including funding expected to be approved by end of the legislative session)

Restored stability in Hong Kong after implementation of the National Security Law (NSL) on 30 June 2020. Offences against public order, arson cases, robbery cases and criminal damage cases dropped by 93%, 76%, 52% and 39% year-on-year in the second half of 2020 respectively. (SB) Assisted the Court to give a clear ruling on the construction of the NSL provisions concerning designated judges, granting of bail and trial by a panel of three judges in lieu of a jury; and convicted an offender under the NSL by the Court of First Instance for the first time. (DoJ) Raised public awareness and understanding of the NSL and significance of national security through multiple channels including the National Security Education Day on 15 April 2021, the Hong Kong National Security Law 1st Anniversary Legal Forum, etc. (NSC, SB, DoJ) Strengthened national security education in schools by providing multifarious training to teachers including on-site teacher workshops, and promulgating the Curriculum Framework of National Security Education in Hong Kong and 15 subject frameworks on national security education. (EDB)

Enacted local legislation which came into effect on 31 May 2021 to implement the amended Annexes I and II to the Basic Law approved by the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress on 30 March 2021. (CMAB) Set up the Candidate Eligibility Review Committee to ensure candidates for members of the Election Committee (EC), office of the Chief Executive and members of the Legislative Council (LegCo) fulfil the requirements and conditions of upholding the Basic Law and bearing allegiance to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) of the People's Republic of China. (CSO) Successfully conducted the EC Subsector Ordinary Elections on 19 September 2021, leading to formation of an expanded EC of 1 500 seats from 22 October 2021. (CMAB) Implemented measures to enhance the electoral arrangements, including the implementation of electronic poll register on the polling day and the setting up of a special queue for electors in need. (CMAB)

Enacted the National Anthem Ordinance on 12 June 2020 to implement the National Anthem Law locally in accordance with Article 18 of the Basic Law. (CMAB) Passed the National Flag and National Emblem (Amendment) Bill 2021 by the LegCo on 29 September 2021 to implement the amended National Flag Law and the amended National Emblem Law locally in accordance with Article 18 of the Basic Law. (CMAB)

Handed over the Central Military Dock to the Hong Kong Garrison on 29 September 2020 to mark the completion of responsibilities according to the arrangements for the use of military sites in Hong Kong. (SB)

Launched the 10-year initiative "Vision 2030 for Rule of Law" to enhance the community's understanding and practice of the rule of law through public education and strengthening capacity building for legal professionals. (DoJ)

Opened the Hong Kong Legal Hub on 2 November 2020. Around 20 selected local, regional and international law-related organisations are gradually moving in and commencing operations. (DoJ)

Took forward the new High Court and District Court projects under the oversight of the central steering committee established under the Judiciary. Tendering for the new District Court project at Caroline Hill Road commenced in August 2021 and subject to the LegCo's funding approval, construction to start in mid-2022. (CSO, DEVB) Supported the Judiciary on initiatives to increase short- to medium-term court facilities for coping with the upsurge in court cases, particularly those relating to social events. These include expanding the capacity of some existing courtrooms at the District Court in Wan Chai and West Kowloon Law Courts Building, as well as re-commissioning the Tsuen Wan Law Courts Building to provide additional court facilities. The relevant works projects were completed in 2021. (CSO)

Carried out promotion and publicity work on the Constitution, the Basic Law and the NSL in a more diversified and comprehensive manner. (CMAB, SB) Arranged since 2017 seminars, exhibitions and publicity on the Constitution Day which falls on 4 December; organised activities on the National Security Education Day on 15 April 2021 by the Committee for Safeguarding National Security of the HKSAR; and organised open day on the National Security Education Day by the five training schools of the disciplinary forces of the HKSAR Government to enhance the public understanding of the forces' work in safeguarding national security. (CMAB, SB) Hosted the Basic Law Legal Summit – “Back to Basics” on 17 November 2020 to commemorate the 30th Anniversary of the promulgation of the Basic Law. (DoJ) Hosted the NSL Legal Forum – “Security Brings Prosperity” on 5 July 2021 to commemorate the 1st Anniversary of the NSL. (DoJ)

Implemented Chinese History as an independent compulsory subject for the junior secondary level since the 2018/19 school year. (EDB) Improved school curriculum and organised life-wide learning activities to help students understand our country and the constitutional order established under the Constitution and the Basic Law, and the importance of national security. (EDB) Reformed “Liberal Studies” as “Citizenship and Social Development” in the 2021/22 school year to cultivate students' positive values and attitudes, sense of national identity and their learning about national and global development, the Constitution, the Basic Law and the rule of law. (EDB)

Enacted the Public Offices (Candidacy and Taking Up Offices) (Miscellaneous Amendments) Ordinance 2021 which came into effect on 21 May 2021 to implement the oath-taking requirements for public officers as stipulated in the Interpretation of Article 104 of the Basic Law by the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress and Article 6 of the NSL. (CMAB) Imposed oath-taking requirement on members of the EC through the Improving Electoral System (Consolidated Amendments) Ordinance 2021. (CMAB) Put in place oath-taking/declaration requirement for civil servants. All newly appointed civil servants and the vast majority of serving civil servants have signed the declaration. Civil servants appointed to senior positions have also taken an oath. For 129 officers who neglected or refused to duly sign and return the declaration without any reasonable explanation, the Government has put them under interdiction and taken actions under the relevant procedures to terminate their service. The declaration requirement was also extended to Government staff appointed on non-civil service terms on or after 1 July 2020. Among them, the 149 full-time and 386 part-time non-civil service Government staff who neglected or refused to duly sign and return the declaration without reasonable explanation have all left the Government already. (CSB) Implemented by phases starting on 10 September 2021 the oath-taking requirements for members of the District Councils (DCs) in accordance with the Public Offices (Candidacy and Taking Up Offices) (Miscellaneous Amendments) Ordinance 2021. (HAB)

Completed a review of works supervision system of the Development Bureau and works departments and implemented relevant corruption prevention measures. (DEVB, ICAC) Incorporated integrity management as the listing requirement for over 800 approved public works contractors, materials suppliers and specialist contractors of the Government with effect from March 2021. (DEVB, ICAC) Assisted the Development Bureau in drawing up a set of New Engineering Contract (NEC) practice notes, and completed 13 assignment studies for the Development Bureau and works departments on the implementation of NEC projects. (ICAC) Developed practical guides and organised training on ethical governance under the three-year Ethics Promotion Programme for Listed Companies (2015-2018). (ICAC) Provided corruption prevention advice related to various public elections; completed a quick review on the polling and vote counting processes and completed a visit programme for 96 Specified Bodies under various Functional Constituencies of the LegCo from 2019-2021 to mitigate the risk of vote-rigging. (ICAC) Launched an e-learning platform in 2020 to enhance the integrity training in the government sector with over 16 000 participants. (ICAC)

Produced a set of four “Reading for Integrity” picture books in 2020. (ICAC) Launched the “Youth-for-Youth” Co-creation Project in 2019, partnering with young people to produce multi-media programmes, resulting 800 000 online views. (ICAC) Organised commemorative events for the 45th anniversary of the Independent Commission Against Corruption in 2019. (ICAC) Launched in 2019 an Ethics Promotion Campaign for the insurance industry with over 12 000 insurance intermediaries and practitioners reached. (ICAC)

Stepped up international efforts to promote Hong Kong's robust anti-corruption regime and probity environment with close ties established with 59 countries. Provided capacity building programmes to about 1 000 graft fighters of different jurisdictions in the past five years. (ICAC) Enhanced collaboration with international organisations, including partnering with the Asian Development Bank/Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development Anti-Corruption Initiative for Asia-Pacific to deliver a capacity development programme series, and heading the Training Committee of the International Association of Anti-Corruption Authorities to co-ordinate its training initiatives. (ICAC) Jointly hosted the 7th ICAC Symposium with the World Justice Project with more than 500 participants from over 50 jurisdictions. (ICAC) Reached an agreement with counterparts in Guangdong and Macao in May 2019 to foster a probity culture, strengthen exchanges, consolidate anti-corruption collaboration mechanism, and step up capacity building and experience sharing. (ICAC)

Increased the civil service establishment by about 19 500 posts (11%) between 2017-18 and 2021-22 to implement new initiatives and enhance existing services. (CSB) Invited in July 2018 all serving civil servants joining the service between 1 June 2000 and 31 May 2015 to choose to retire at 65 (for civilian grades) or 60 (for disciplined services grades). Some 47 000 civil servants, representing about 83% of those eligible, have opted to retire later. (CSB) Launched the Continued Service of Police Officers Beyond Prescribed Retirement Age Scheme on 1 April 2021 to extend the service of non-directorate police officers who joined the Government before 1 June 2000 up to the age of 60 to address operational requirements and long-term manpower needs. (SB) Tightened the scrutiny of probationary civil servants to instil a stronger sense of discipline and integrity among civil servants. (CSB) Implemented in September 2021 the recommendations on salary and increments in the grade structure review for the disciplined services grades. (CSB, SB) Set up the Civil Service College in 2021 by upgrading the existing facilities of the Civil Service Training and Development Institute as the College's interim accommodation. Aimed to commence construction of long-term accommodation on a composite development site in Kwun Tong in 2022. (CSB) Set up in November 2019 the Civil Service Training Advisory Board to guide the development of training strategy and content and secured Finance Committee's approval for creating the position of Head of the College. (CSB) Enhanced national studies training for civil servants and worked with the Mainland authorities and relevant institutions to increase training places. Since July 2017, arranged 2 300 civil servants to take part in National Studies programmes in Mainland institutions. Launched in 2019 thematic visits to the Mainland municipalities of the Greater Bay Area. (CSB) Provided about 3 500 short-term internship placements in 2021 to expose more post-secondary students to the work of the Government and public organisations. (CSB) Completed six projects to provide staff quarters for eligible disciplinary staff. Another two projects are under construction. Increased car parking spaces in these quarters to meet operational needs. (SB) Expanded and retitled the Local Education Allowance scheme to Mainland and Local Education Allowance scheme, under which eligible civil servants can apply for education allowances in respect of their children's primary and secondary education in the Mainland and Hong Kong. (CSB)

Carried out service reforms through adopting innovation and technology and streamlining business processes. Measures include: transferred the Efficiency Unit previously under the Chief Secretary for Administration's Office to the Innovation and Technology Bureau on 1 April 2018 and renamed it as the Efficiency Office to build a stronger team to further promote innovation and technology development within the Government; (EffO/ITB) under the “Be the Smart Regulator” Programme, completed over 75% of the 398 business facilitation measures committed from 2018-19 to 2020-21, covering about 270 licences with a total annual transaction volume of 2.4 million. Implementing plans to enable e-licensing for all applications by mid-2022; (EffO/ITB and relevant bureaux) under the “Streamlining of Government Services” Programme, some 900 government services involving application and approval are being reformed on a continuous basis. 38 bureaux and departments proposed 154 streamlining measures in 2019-20 and 2020-21, covering about 200 government services with a total annual transaction volume of 37 million; (EffO/ITB and relevant bureaux) and approved 99 projects under TechConnect (block vote) to support Government departments to apply technology. (ITB)

Continued to appoint eminent judges from other common law jurisdictions as non-Permanent Judges (CLNPJs) of the Court of Final Appeal in accordance with the Basic Law. Since July 2017, four new CLNPJs have been appointed by the Chief Executive. (CSO) Extended the retirement age of Judges at the High Court and above as well as Magistrates generally by five years. (CSO)

A total of 46 bills enacted (or awaiting resumption of second reading debate) by the LegCo in the 2020-21 legislative year, a record high in the past 20 years. (CSO) A total of $328 billion approved (or to be approved) by the LegCo in the 2020-21 legislative year (involving 62 works items and 29 non-works items). (CSO) The Chief Executive attended 14 Question and Answer Sessions and 18 Question Times in the LegCo as at 30 September 2021. (CSO)

Hosted six summits chaired by the Chief Executive on different policy areas since 2017, including new directions of taxation, poverty alleviation, disability inclusion and quality education, to exchange views with stakeholders directly. (Relevant bureaux) Increased the proportion of female non-official members in advisory and statutory bodies (ASBs) from 31% in 2015 to 35.2% as at end-June 2021, meeting the target of 35%. (LWB) Appointed ethnic minority members to 43 ASBs. (All bureaux) Regularised the Member Self-recommendation Scheme for Youth (MSSY). So far, 50 ASBs have joined the MSSY providing a total of 101 seats. At present, around 440 posts are held by young people who have been appointed to ASBs directly or indirectly through MSSY. The overall ratio of youth members in ASBs has increased from 7.8% in 2017 to 14.8% as at mid-2021 and is gradually moving towards the target of 15% set by the current-term Government. (HAB)

Conducted a total of 276 district visits by Secretaries of Department and Directors of Bureau. (HAB) Implemented 27 projects under the Signature Project Scheme spearheaded by the respective DCs with 25 of them in operation. (HAB) Regularised the additional allocation of $20.8 million for the promotion of arts and cultural activities under the community involvement programme and provided additional resources to enhance the manpower support for DCs. (HAB) Increased the annual recurrent provision for District-led Actions Scheme from $63 million to $80 million from 2020-21 onwards. (HAB)

Took forward the comprehensive review of the strategy of handling non-refoulement claims, and implemented measures to combat illegal immigration and overstaying at source; expedited screening of claims and appeals and removal of unsuccessful claimants, and stepped up law enforcement against unlawful employment. As a result, time for screening a claim was shortened by 60% and the once over 11 000 pending claims were completed in early 2019. As at 31 August 2021, number of non-ethnic Chinese illegal immigrants dropped by over 70% from the peak, and number of appeals pending the handling by the Torture Claims Appeal Board dropped from the peak of 6 500 to around 1 800. (SB) Increased detention capacity for claimants by one-third by recommissioning the Tai Tam Gap Correctional Institution in May 2021. (SB) Amended the Immigration Ordinance to provide solid legal backing for measures in respect of removal, detention, interception at source and law enforcement, etc. The amended ordinance came into effect on 1 August 2021. (SB)

Passed the Crimes (Amendment) Bill 2021 at the LegCo sitting of 29 September 2021 to introduce specific offences against voyeurism, unlawful recording or observation of intimate parts, and publication or threatened publication of intimate images without consent. (SB)

Passed the Personal Data (Privacy) (Amendment) Bill 2021 by the LegCo on 29 September 2021, which criminalises doxxing acts that intrude into personal data privacy, confers on the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data powers of criminal investigation and prosecution, and empowers the Commissioner statutory powers to demand the cessation or restriction of doxxing content. (CMAB)

Increased recurrent government expenditure from $361.8 billion to $517.6 billion between 2017-18 and 2021-22, representing an average annual growth of 9.4%. Education, health and social welfare consistently take up about 60% of the expenditure. As at end-August 2021, the fiscal reserves stood at $851.8 billion. (FSTB) Invested heavily in infrastructure to meet Hong Kong's needs and create jobs. From 2017-18 to 2021-22, the average capital works expenditure per year amounted to more than $75 billion. (FSTB, DEVB) Ensured steady development of the civil service while maintaining the sustainability of public finance by imposing a zero growth in civil service establishment in 2021-22. The projected establishment by end-March 2022 will be 197 646 posts. (CSB) Rolled out four rounds of measures under the Anti-epidemic Fund and measures in the 2020-21 and 2021-22 Budget totalling over $437 billion to provide relief to businesses and individuals hard hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. (FSTB) Established the Hong Kong Growth Portfolio under the Future Fund to make strategic investments in projects with “a Hong Kong nexus”, with a view to on the one hand reinforcing Hong Kong's status as a financial, commercial and innovation centre, thereby raising Hong Kong's productivity and competitiveness in the long run to foster economic growth, and on the other hand seeking reasonable risk-adjusted returns to safeguard the Government's investment interest. (FSTB)

Raised the financial eligibility limits for legal aid applicants for Ordinary Legal Aid Scheme and Supplementary Legal Aid Scheme cumulatively by 45% since 2017. (CSO)

The Law Reform Commission (LRC) completed in March 2019 a public consultation on archives law and is finalising a report. The Government will examine in detail the recommendations after receiving the report. (CSO) Provided records management training to 6 890 government officers in 2020. From January to August 2021, over 9 000 officers were trained, with the target of training 10 000 in 2021. (CSO) Preparatory work and the tendering exercise in progress for rolling out the electronic record-keeping system by end-2025. (CSO)

The LRC completed a public consultation on access to information. The Government will examine in detail the recommendations and consider relevant follow-up actions after receiving the report. (CMAB)

Supported the Hong Kong Chronicles Project undertaken by the Hong Kong Chronicles Institute to record the development of Hong Kong and to promote the community's understanding of the history, culture and tradition of the city. The first volume of Hong Kong Chronicles, “Overview & Chronology” was published in December 2020, while the second volume on “Hong Kong's Participation in National Reform & Opening-Up” is scheduled for release in December 2021. (HAB)

Actively press ahead the enactment of legislation to implement Article 23 of the Basic Law in Hong Kong by making reference to past studies and information, the implementation experience of the NSL and relevant court verdicts, and the relevant laws of our country and other jurisdictions and their experience in implementing such laws, as well as taking into account the situation of Hong Kong in recent years. Draw up effective and pragmatic proposals and provisions, as well as formulate appropriate publicity programmes. (SB)

Introduce amendments to the Regional Flag and Regional Emblem Ordinance for better alignment with the newly amended National Flag and National Emblem Ordinance as well as with the National Anthem Ordinance. (CMAB) Take forward the Film Censorship (Amendment) Bill 2021 to ensure more effective fulfilment of the duty to safeguard national security as required by the NSL. (CEDB) Study and examine whether legislation should be amended or enacted to tackle the spreading of fake news and hate speech on social media and insulting public officers. (HAB)

Step up the intelligence collection and enforcement work of the Police, with a view to bringing extremists to justice; and take enforcement actions against contents and messages that spread hatred, advocate violence, and incite and encourage terrorism. (SB) Strengthen counter-terrorism preparedness and response capability by conducting training and exercises, enhancing protection of critical infrastructure, and leveraging new technologies such as artificial intelligence and big data; and continue to improve the legal framework, and step up public education and publicity on counter-terrorism. (SB)

Formulate comprehensive guidelines to support policy bureaux and departments in assessing and controlling cyber security, data security and supply chain security risks within their respective portfolios. Policy bureaux and departments should formulate measures in accordance with the aforementioned guidelines for controlling risks in relevant areas. (SB and all bureaux) Promote the development of a robust preventive management system for critical information infrastructure to ensure the safe operation of relevant systems and networks to safeguard public safety and national security. (SB, ITB) Make preparatory work for the enactment of cybersecurity legislation. Through imposing network security obligations on operators of critical information infrastructure, strengthen the cybersecurity of critical information infrastructure in Hong Kong. (SB, ITB)

Strengthen local rule of law education and step up efforts in capacity building by encouraging local legal talents to seize overseas secondment/internship opportunities. (DoJ) Establish a rule of law database to assist in assessing rule of law and facilitate research and capacity building. (DoJ) Share the work experience in Vision 2030 for Rule of Law with other jurisdictions with a view to jointly promoting the rule of law for sustainable development. (DoJ)

Enhance youth development work by the six disciplined services and the two auxiliary services and establish or expand their work in youth uniformed groups to help young people develop positive thinking, law-abiding awareness, a sense of discipline and team spirit. (SB)

Support the Judiciary in providing one mega courtroom and supporting facilities in Wanchai Tower for handling cases involving multiple defendants during the interim years before the commissioning of the proposed new District Court building at Caroline Hill Road. Renovation works are expected to start in May 2022 for completion in 2023. (CSO)

Adopt a “multi-pronged and co-ordinated” approach to promote the Constitution, the Basic Law and national security education to various targeted groups, including the general public, students and civil servants, through different activities and approaches. (CSPO, CMAB, EDB, CSB) Host a Basic Law conference and publish the “Basic Law: Selected Drafting Materials and Significant Cases” in April 2022 to promote and instil a correct understanding of the Constitution and the Basic Law. (DoJ) Host the Legal Summit on the NSL in 2022 to enhance the understanding and awareness of the NSL. (DoJ) Implement recommendations of the Review Report on the Governance and Management of Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK), including the introduction of a new editorial management mechanism to ensure that the programmes comply with the requirements of the Charter of RTHK (Charter), as well as strengthening the delivery of public purposes and mission under the Charter by introducing more programmes covering national security education, the Greater Bay Area and the National 14th Five-Year Plan and other important topics to engender a sense of citizenship and national identity. RTHK will also seek to establish partnership with the China Media Group and other programme providers, with a view to deepening Hong Kong audiences' understanding of our country. (CEDB)

Request schools to devise plans and put in place measures related to safeguarding national security and national security education as early as possible. The Education Bureau will scrutinise the reports and plans submitted by schools, monitor and provide support in relation to the implementation of relevant work in schools. (EDB) Arrange for professionals to hold onsite workshops for schools from the 2021/22 to 2022/23 school years, enabling teachers to better understand how to co-ordinate and plan national security education holistically at the school level. (EDB) Develop more learning and teaching resources and organise diversified student activities, and provide enhanced training on the Constitution, the Basic Law and national security education for newly-appointed teachers, serving teachers and teachers aspiring for promotion, as well as for principals, school supervisors and school managers. (EDB) Support post-secondary institutions in fulfilling their legal obligations to safeguard national security, including implementing national security education in their curriculum and introducing enhanced measures in campus management. (EDB) Step up support for schools in promoting national education (including the Constitution, the Basic Law and national security education) within and beyond the classroom through measures such as updating the curriculum, developing learning and teaching resources, providing training for teachers, and organising student activities and Mainland exchange. (EDB)

Strengthen training on the country's Constitution, the Basic Law and the NSL for civil servants. Establish a more systematic training framework and designate training programmes for mandatory attendance, so as to enhance the understanding of civil servants on our country's development and the HKSAR's constitutional order. (CSB) Arrange more middle and senior-level civil servants to take part in national studies programmes or thematic visits in the Mainland that suit their ranks as they advance in their career, so that they will have appropriate opportunities to deepen their understanding of the country at different career stages. (CSB) Enhance training for civil servants in learning more about the country's foreign affairs, through close collaboration with the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the HKSAR, so as to deepen civil servants' understanding of the international scene and the country's positioning which in turn enables them to act in concert with the country's foreign affairs policy in handling the relevant areas of work. (CSB) Jointly design and organise a Master Programme in Public Policy with the Peking University and arrange senior civil servants nominated by their departments to attend this programme. Continue sponsoring senior civil servants nominated by their departments to attend the Project of Hong Kong Public Administrative Talents, Executive Master of Public Administration Programme, Tsinghua University. (CSB)

Review the assessment content of the Basic Law Test in civil service recruitment and include the NSL in the scope of assessment to render the test better-suited to the requirements of the relevant civil service posts. (CSB)

Take forward oath-taking for public officers of other sectors after implementation of the arrangement for civil servants and government employees to take oath to uphold the Basic Law. (CSO)

Conduct a new round of public sector reform in three aspects, i.e. improving service efficiency, enhancing digitalisation of public services, and consolidating government services. Policy bureaux and departments will examine, from the users' point of view, their operation and service provision so as to improve efficiency, which includes simplifying approval procedures and allowing more flexibility when providing services; and promote the wider use of data and technology, as well as speed up the digitalisation of public services, so that the public may use our services more conveniently and be informed of Government information swiftly. (FSTB and all bureaux) Introduce legislation to enable courts to conduct remote hearing. (CSO) Amend the Electronic Transactions Ordinance (Cap. 553) to provide legal backing to the digitalisation of government services. (ITB) Amend relevant legislation to enable the serving of electronic fixed penalty notices against traffic offences to enhance efficiency of traffic enforcement. (THB) Amend the Road Traffic Ordinance (Cap. 374) to accept electronic driving licences presented by mobile applications to bring greater convenience to driving licence holders. (THB) Introduce legislation to facilitate the use of electronic certificates for Hong Kong registered ships. (THB) Amend the corporate insolvency and individual bankruptcy legislation to implement the electronic submission system of the Official Receiver's Office and streamline requirements, for providing a one-stop portal to receive and handle voluminous documents and forms submitted to the Office with a view to enhancing service efficiency and quality. (FSTB)

Continue to uphold Article 107 of the Basic Law by following the principle of keeping expenditure within the limits of revenue in order to maintain fiscal sustainability. On controlling government expenditure, the Government will trim the recurrent expenditure allocations to all policy bureaux by one per cent in 2022-23 without affecting livelihood-related spending, and continue to exercise strict control over the growth of the civil service establishment. We will also maintain the vibrancy of and grow our economy to continuously achieve revenue sustainability for Hong Kong. (FSTB)

Regularise the Pilot Scheme on Civil Service Chinese Medicine Clinics and increase the annual service capacity from about 63 000 discs in 2020-21 to about 100 000 discs in 2022-23. (CSB) Put in place a mobile application within 2022 to facilitate making appointments for Chinese medicine services. (CSB)

Review the organisation of government business at the policy bureaux level taking account of public views with a view to drawing up proposals for discussion with the Seventh Term LegCo and for the reference of the Sixth Term Chief Executive. (PICO/CSO) Review the existing mechanism for the promotion and appointment of senior civil service positions on the principle of meritocracy, so that the posts will be filled by the best suited persons. (CSB)

Step up education and promotion by launching the "Support Clean Elections Programme", the “All for Integrity” public engagement initiative and the “i Junior Programme for Primary Schools”; and producing a new Drama Series “ICAC Investigators 2022” and a new Announcement in the Public Interest. (ICAC) Enhance the corruption prevention capabilities and awareness of construction companies through the implementation of the Integrity Charter; and assist the MTR Corporation Limited to strengthen corruption prevention measures in the implementation of new railway projects. (ICAC) Enhance the professional ethics of banking practitioners and the integrity culture of the industry through a new online practical guide and other training resources, as well as reinvigorating the exchanges with members of the Corruption Prevention Network for Banks. (ICAC) Strengthen ICAC's role on the Executive Committee of the International Association of Anti-Corruption Authorities; and take forward anti-corruption collaboration with the anti-corruption agencies in Guangdong and Macao, including jointly organising corruption prevention initiatives with the Qianhai Anti-Corruption Bureau. (ICAC)

Work closely with the Electoral Affairs Commission to ensure that the 2021 LegCo General Election and the 2022 Chief Executive Election will be conducted in a fair, open and honest manner in accordance with the improved electoral system and relevant legislation, with a view to fully implementing "patriots administering Hong Kong" and facilitating executive-led governance. (CMAB) Implement various improvement measures in the upcoming public elections, such as special queues for electors in need, electronic poll register to enhance the accuracy and efficiency in the issuance of ballot papers and, subject to agreement with Mainland authorities, special voting arrangements for registered voters living in the Mainland who could not return to Hong Kong because of COVID-19. (CMAB)

Introduce a bill to implement co-location arrangement at the new Huanggang Port. (SB) Actively participate in Pan-Pearl River Delta regional co-operation, and establish the new Hubei-Hong Kong high-level co-operation mechanism. (CMAB) Explore the re-titling of the Economic and Trade Offices in the Mainland to better reflect their extensive roles and functions to promote Hong Kong's integration into the Mainland development. (CMAB) Build an information sharing platform with the relevant units of the governments of nine municipalities in Guangdong Province and Macao, with a view to facilitating the exchange of information including intelligence and crime trends; establishing a system that allows shared and complementary use of resources; and enhancing the scope and level of personnel exchange and interaction through visits and drills to create a quality and safe Greater Bay Area. (SB)

Take forward the development of the Advance Passenger Information system to enhance aviation security and immigration control on visitors and submit the relevant subsidiary legislation to the LegCo for scrutiny. (SB)

Formulate targeted rehabilitation programmes, including implementing the “Walk with YOUth Programme” to enhance the law-abiding awareness of young persons in custody (PICs); planning to establish a Youth Lab and implementing educational initiatives such as “Understanding History is the Beginning of Knowledge” to strengthen values, moral and civic education for young offenders, and enable them to have a better understanding of the Basic Law and the NSL; and setting up the Change Lab to provide psychological counselling for young rehabilitated offenders under supervision after release. (SB) Step up efforts to unite all sectors of the community to provide suitable support to PICs on various rehabilitation fronts through inter-departmental and cross-sectoral collaboration, including inviting the business sector and training bodies to provide job matching service, suitable job openings, and opportunities for vocational training and internship. (SB)

Amend the Births and Deaths Registration Ordinance (Cap. 174) to rationalise the legal requirement relating to death registration. (SB)

Nobody have expected COVID-19 to last that long; Hong Kong which had gone through the SARS epidemic in 2003 certainly did not when the first case of COVID-19 was confirmed in January 2020. Over the past 21 months, the Government and our people soldier on, respectively displaying determination and vigilance in anti-epidemic controls and complying faithfully with personal hygiene measures. As a result, our city has weathered four waves of surging cases and brought the epidemic under control since May 2021. Hong Kong's total number of cases, just exceeding 12 000 and at a ratio of around 1 600 cases per one million population, are amongst the lowest in advanced economies. For a city as compact as Hong Kong and with cross border and international travels maintained, albeit on a limited scale, this is no small achievement which every Hong Kong resident should take pride in. This global public health crisis has presented governments and scientists with unprecedented challenges. From testing and contact tracing to vaccination and treatment, governments are fighting against time to ramp up capacity while professionals and volunteers are making dedicated contributions. Any fight against a pandemic has to be guided by actions based on science and evidence and supported by solidarity at the national, regional and local levels. Politicisation must be strongly resisted. Hong Kong has a robust system of public health surveillance and hospital services. Every infected patient has been admitted into hospitals for care and treatment and comprehensive testing has been adopted on a district or building basis with a view to identifying possible infections as early as possible. Border controls and social distancing measures have to be maintained to keep our city safe so that normal life, including students going back to school, could be maintained. We wish to express deep appreciation to all Hong Kong people for their understanding and support. The local economy has been hard hit by the epidemic and the Government has rolled out substantial relief packages over the past two years through two successive Budgets and the $169 billion Anti-epidemic Fund. We are gratified to see the economy rebound since the first quarter of 2021; we will continue to support the economic recovery through appropriate policy measures. Throughout this difficult period, the Central Government has shown great care for Hong Kong in all aspects, ranging from providing medical supplies and ramping up our testing capability, to building an 820-bed dedicated isolation facility for Hong Kong. To help our economy to recover, the Central Government has rolled out support measures in many sectors. Hong Kong's economy is closely linked to the Mainland and uninhibited travel between the two places is essential. We will work closely with our Mainland counterparts to enable resumption of travel in a gradual, orderly and safe manner.

Daily confirmed COVID-19 cases in the globe and Hong Kong: Seven-day moving average from January 2020 to September 2021 Compared to the global figure, the number of confirmed cases in Hong Kong has maintained at a low level since the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020. After experiencing four waves of epidemic, Hong Kong has basically achieved zero infection. As at 17 September 2021, cumulative confirmed cases per million people was 28 908 for global average and 1 609 for Hong Kong, and cumulative deaths per million people was 594 for global average and 28 for Hong Kong.

4 240 units in total Over 4 000 units built using the Modular Integrated Construction technology

1 910 beds at hospitals 1 900 beds at Community Treatment Facility 820 beds at Hong Kong Infection Control Centre

As at 17 September 2021, there were 29 Community Vaccination Centres, 26 General Out-patient Clinics under Hospital Authority, 2 300 Private Clinics providing vaccination service 80 organisations participated in Outreach Vaccination Programme, benefiting around 20 000 persons Walk-in arrangement benefiting around 96 000 persons

Held "Project Cost Management Forum 2021", “Hong Kong Sports & Leisure Expo 2021”, “2021 Tissot UCI Track Cycling Nations Cup”, “Cruise-to-nowhere” and “Hong Kong Book Fair 2021” Supporting Business, Protecting Jobs, Relieving Hardship Rolled out over 188 relief measures of HK$437 billion Improving Economic Indicators Comparing the economic situation at the onset of COVID-19 outbreak and the latest situation: Real GDP contracted by 9.1% and 9.0% year-on-year in Q1 2020 and Q2 2020 respectively Real GDP grew by 8.0% and 7.6% year-on-year in Q1 2021 and Q2 2021 respectively The unemployment rate peaked at 7.2% in December 2020 - February 2021 The unemployment rate in June - August 2021 was 4.7% Exports of goods contracted by 9.6% and 2.2% year-on-year in Q1 2020 and Q2 2020 respectively Exports of goods grew by 30.1% and 20.2% year-on-year in Q1 2021 and Q2 2021 respectively Retail sales volume contracted by 37.0% and 32.5% year-on-year in Q1 2020 and Q2 2020 respectively Retail sales volume grew by 7.2% and 7.0% year-on-year in Q1 2021 and Q2 2021 respectively

Conducted 24 million tests Ranks amongst the top in the world Maximum testing volume increased almost 100-fold Over 100 000 tests per day

Global leading method for virus tracing Collaboration between Government and HKU 52 confirmed cases identified from 7 000 sewage samples tested

LeaveHomeSafe Mobile App 5.4 million downloads 95 000 participating premises 81 000 users tested after receiving notifications

Vaccination record Testing record Auto-leave taxi function

COVID-19 Interactive Map Dashboard Over 56.9 million views since its launch in February 2020

StayHomeSafe Mobile App and Electronic Wristbands Used by 590 000 people under compulsory quarantine First large-scale application in the world

CuMask+TM Distributed 10 million Developed by Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel Won a Gold Medal at the International Exhibition of Inventions of Geneva 2018 Can be reused 60 times

Developed by Hong Kong Productivity Council Widely used in public buildings, government offices, public housing, commercial venues and private premises

Developed by HKUST Kill bacteria and viruses with an effective period of up to 90 days Widely used in schools, residential care homes for the elderly and child care centres

Food and Health Bureau and Health and Medical Research Fund HK$513 million allocated for universities to conduct research studies on COVID-19 67 projects approved

Allocated additional HK$350 million to support COVID-19 related research projects in universities

Convened 24 meetings (as at end-August 2021) of high level inter-bureaux/departmental meetings chaired by the Chief Executive to provide steer in fighting the COVID-19 epidemic. (FHB) Enlisted a total of 40 experts to advise the Government on various aspects of the anti-epidemic work. (FHB) Maintained close liaison with the National Health Commission as well as health authorities in the Guangdong Province and Macao SAR Government. (FHB) Made nine public health emergency regulations under the Prevention and Control of Disease Ordinance (Cap. 599) and have them updated regularly to provide legal basis for the anti-epidemic work. (FHB) Contained the number of confirmed cases at low levels, 1 609 cases per one million people as at 17 September 2021 versus the global average of 28 908 cases. (Relevant bureaux) Adopted a new direction since end-April 2021 to implement social distancing and border control measures with “vaccine bubble” as the basis. (FHB) Stemmed out four waves of the epidemic and attained “zero” local cases for most of the days during the past four months. (FHB) Maintained vigilance in controlling importation of cases through testing and quarantine taking account of the infection risks of the overseas places. (FHB) Tightened vaccination requirements for civil servants, public hospital and elderly home staff, teachers, local air crew, airport staff and container terminal workers to provide better protection for the community. (FHB, THB)

Kept the community abreast of the epidemic situation via over 720 press conferences/daily press briefings; around 5 000 press releases, a dedicated government webpage (coronavirus.gov.hk); and over 7 550 social media posts. (Relevant bureaux) Released monthly reports by the Chief Executive on the Government's work in fighting the epidemic. 20 reports have been issued so far. (CEO) Launched the COVID-19 Interactive Map Dashboard in February 2020 to provide the latest information on local COVID-19 cases, attracting more than 56.9 million views as at end-August 2021. (ITB)

Ramped up testing capacity significantly in public and private sectors to over 100 000 tests per day. (FHB) Conducted over 24 million tests or 3.2 million per one million population which put Hong Kong amongst the countries/regions with the highest testing intensity. (FHB) Pioneered the use of sewage surveillance to trace COVID-19 transmission in the community. As at end-August 2021, identified 52 cases from nearly 7 000 samples tested. (ENB) Issued compulsory testing notices (CTNs) to specified persons/groups, and made restriction testing declaration on premises when it is necessary to conduct testing for persons on the premises to curb community spread. Upon issuance of such CTNs and RTDs, the Hong Kong Housing Authority (HKHA) conducted operations in respect of specified venues in 98 public rental housing (PRH) blocks managed by HKHA as at end-August 2021, while the Home Affairs Department conducted 90 operations for private housing blocks as at end-August 2021. (FHB, HAB, THB) Offered free virus testing services since July 2020 to targeted groups that are of higher-risk, high-exposure and from important infrastructure services. Over 2.3 million samples have been tested. (Relevant bureaux) Provided convenient voluntary testing services to the public, including free testing through 188 distribution points and 83 collection points to facilitate submission of deep throat saliva specimen (3.76 million specimens tested as at end-August 2021), testing services at 21 community testing centres (1.16 million voluntary tests conducted as at end-August 2021) and 47 General Out-patient Clinics. (FHB) Provided over 3 500 propose-built units for quarantine at Penny's Bay in addition to similar facilities at Lei Yue Mun Park. (FHB, DEVB) Enhanced service capacity in the Hospital Authority (HA), including deploying around 1 250 Tier-1 isolation beds and retrofitting certain general wards into standard negative pressure wards to provide around 660 Tier-2 isolation beds. (FHB) Assisted the HA to establish and expand the Community Treatment Facility (CTF) at the AsiaWorld Expo, and increased the capacity to around 1 900 beds. (FHB, DEVB) With financial and technical support by the Central Government, completed the North Lantau Hospital Hong Kong Infection Control Centre with 820 beds in just four months in January 2021. (FHB, DEVB) Implemented the Designated Quarantine Hotel Scheme and the Designated Transportation Scheme in December 2020, requiring all arrivals from specified places to undergo compulsory quarantine at designated quarantine hotels. (FHB) Set up designated quarantine facilities for residents of residential care homes for the elderly or persons with disabilities, as well as unaccompanied minors who are close contacts of confirmed cases. (FHB, LWB) Set up designated quarantine facility at Penny's Bay for foreign domestic helpers returning to Hong Kong. (FHB) Launched the Special Chinese Medicine Out-patient Programme in April 2020 to provide free Chinese medicine out-patient rehabilitation services to discharged COVID-19 patients. Over 1 360 patients have joined so far, with more than 9 800 consultations conducted. (FHB) Launched the Special Chinese Medicine Programme in January 2021 to provide an option of Chinese medicine services to COVID-19 in-patients at the CTF and the North Lantau Hospital Hong Kong Infection Control Centre. Over 90 patients have joined so far. (FHB)

Launched the territory-wide COVID-19 Vaccination Programme in February 2021 providing the two vaccines Sinovac and BioNTech to eligible population. The public may receive vaccination in 29 Community Vaccination Centres (CVCs), and more than 2 300 private clinics and 26 designated general out-patient clinics under the HA. Towards the end of September 2021, more than 4.43 million persons have received their first dose (amounting to about 66% of the eligible population) and more than 4.04 million persons (about 60% of the eligible population) have received the second dose. (CSB) Conducted outreach operations to 80 organisations and in different districts. About 20 000 persons received their COVID-19 vaccine on these occasions. (CSB) Arranged outreach vaccination service at 11 secondary schools for students from 40 schools while students from about 310 schools have been vaccinated through school group bookings at CVCs. Students of 37 special education schools were arranged to receive assessment and vaccination in designated hospitals under the HA. (CSB) Started to distribute same day tickets at 24 CVCs to elderly over 70 since 29 July 2021 and gradually extended the arrangement to elderly over 60, students, designated groups and eventually all persons eligible for vaccination. Towards the end of September 2021, about 96 000 same day tickets have been distributed. (CSB)

Launched the Return2hk Scheme in November 2020 to exempt Hong Kong residents returning from Mainland and Macao from compulsory quarantine in Hong Kong, upon fulfilment of all the specified conditions. As at 20 September 2021, about 300 000 passenger trips were made. (CMAB, FHB) Launched the Come2hk Scheme on 15 September 2021 to exempt non-Hong Kong residents arriving from Guangdong Province and Macao from compulsory quarantine in Hong Kong, upon fulfilment of all the specified conditions. (CMAB, FHB)

Provided online booking services for community testing programme, vaccination programme, and citizens returning to Hong Kong from the Mainland and Macao. (ITB) Jointly developed the electronic wristband and StayHomeSafe mobile app with local research and development institutes, universities and start-ups, now used by over 590 000 persons. This is the largest scale of such application in the world. (ITB) Launched the LeaveHomeSafe mobile app in November 2020 for the public to record visit history. The number of downloads has exceeded 5.4 million. Over 95 000 public and private venues and around 18 000 taxis have participated. (ITB) Developed the Health Code Conversion System for the public to transmit valid negative nucleic acid results from the health code systems of Guangdong and Macao to the electronic health declaration system upon entry into Hong Kong under the Return2hk Scheme and the Come2hk Scheme. (ITB) Launched the COVID-19 Electronic Vaccination and Testing Record System for the public to download the electronic vaccination record for free through the “iAM Smart” mobile app. The number of downloads has reached over 1.1 million. (ITB) Launched the Public Sector Trial Scheme in 2020 to support product development and application of technologies for prevention and control of the epidemic. 63 projects were approved with total funding of over $102 million. (ITB) Launched in December 2020 an internal information portal designed for contact tracing to link up relevant departments, agencies and existing information systems. (FHB) Modernised the HA's service model, including piloting the use of “HA Go” mobile application to provide telehealth services for suitable patients. Installed network infrastructure at village offices to enable provision of telehealth services for elderly persons living in remote areas. (FHB, ITB) Allocated $513 million under FHB and its Health and Medical Research Fund to support COVID-19 related research projects undertaken by universities. 67 projects have been approved. (FHB) Utilised different coating technologies to disinfect buses and train cars and sprayed anti-bacterial and anti-virus films in vehicles or vessels. (THB) Launched the Distance Business Programme to support private enterprises to continue business during COVID-19 through adoption of information technology solutions. As at 6 September 2021, approved around 26 000 applications with funding of around $1.7 billion. (ITB)

Launched a wide range of measures totalling over $437 billion to help businesses stay afloat, keep workers in employment and assist the economy to recover. Major items included: four rounds of measures under the Anti-epidemic Fund (AEF) ($168.9 billion), and other epidemic related measures ($28 billion) amounting to over $197 billion, notably an Employment Support Scheme benefiting 152 000 employers and 1.95 million employees; (Relevant bureaux) a relief package of over $120 billion in the 2020-21 Budget; (Relevant bureaux) various counter-cyclical measures of over $120 billion in the 2021-22 Budget; (Relevant bureaux) creation of about 30 000 time-limited jobs in the public and private sectors under the AEF. Allocated an additional $6.6 billion from the AEF in 2021 for creating another 30 000 time-limited jobs. Some of these jobs are sector-specific to help fresh graduates or young professionals to acquire on the job experience; (CSB) and stabilising supply of surgical masks in the retail market through the Local Mask Production Subsidy Scheme. The 20 subsidised production lines delivered 469 million masks to the Government as at end-August 2021. (CEDB) Distributed over 10.7 million reusable CuMask+™ and another 63 million surgical masks to citizens free of charge, as well as some 137 million surgical masks to staff and residents of residential care homes, frontline workers in government contracts and other vulnerable groups; and around 6 million donated masks to the needy. (ITB, CEDB, HAB, LWB, FHB) Provided concessions in fees and charges and government rental amounting to $14.2 billion revenue forgone to help businesses to tide over the economic downturn. (FSTB) Launched the Convention and Exhibition Industry Subsidy Scheme under the AEF and extended the validity of the scheme thrice to run until 31 December 2022. As at end-August 2021, subsidised 53 exhibitions, involving subsidy of about $122 million. (CEDB)

Enhanced anti-epidemic measures in public markets including thorough cleaning and disinfection. (FHB) Provided a one-off subsidy to tenants of public markets and licensed hawkers to promote contactless payment in markets and hawker stalls. Around $18.09 million was disbursed to 3 276 market stalls and 342 hawker stalls. (FHB) Increased manpower to step up anti-epidemic measures at HKHA's shopping centres and directly managed markets and public housing estates and installed touchless lift button devices for its shopping centres, car parks and office buildings. (THB) Implemented the Drainage Inspection Programme since October 2020 to inspect the drainage pipes of PRH flats with target completion in the first quarter of 2022. As at end-August 2021, HKHA had inspected the in-flat drainage pipes of about 460 000 PRH flats and all the external drainage pipes of about 390 000 PRH flats. Necessary repairs had been arranged during the inspections. (THB)

Press ahead with vaccination of target groups, particularly the elderly over 70 years of age to protect them from serious illness if they were infected and to build a protective shield. (CSB, FHB) Evaluate the effectiveness of the vaccination programme to provide a third dose to those who need it to enhance the protection. (CSB, FHB) Liaise with the vaccine manufacturers to review the clinical data with a view to lowering the age limit for Sinovac. (CSB, FHB)

Facilitate major events to be held safely through adoption of “travel corridors” and “vaccine bubbles” to enable individuals and businesses to return to normal life as far as possible. (FHB, CEDB, HAB)

Seek the Central Government's support for resuming quarantine-free travel with Mainland in a gradual, orderly and safe manner. (CMAB, FHB)

“Our people will call Hong Kong their home only when there is adequate housing for all to enjoy living in this city, and it is the Government's responsibility to provide suitable housing for families in different income brackets.” The housing policy of the current-term Government comprises four elements: emphasising the Government's indispensable role; facilitating home ownership; focusing on land supply; and optimising existing resources to help families that have long been waiting for public rental housing (PRH). The Government has spared no efforts to increase the supply of land. To ensure such efforts are sustained, we made it clear that the determination of the Government to produce land and build a land reserve should never waver in face of short-term changes in economic environment or fluctuations in property prices. To demonstrate our resolve to provide more subsidised flats, either for sale or letting, we revised the public/private housing split from 60:40 to 70:30 in 2018 under the Ten-year Long Term Housing Strategy and in 2020, for the first time since the Strategy was promulgated, we identified adequate land (330 hectares) to provide the 70% portion, that is, around 316 000 units in the coming ten years (2021-22 and 2030-31). To gain public support for land development, we need to let people know the flats to be built would be affordable to them. In this regard, we have on the one hand expanded the options of subsidised sale flats (SSFs) to enrich the housing ladder and on the other hand revised the pricing policy for SSFs in 2018 to delink the selling price of these flats from the private housing market. Under the revised policy, the median monthly household income of non-owner occupier households is used as the reference point for assessing affordability, with the monthly mortgage payment not exceeding 40% of the household income as the standard. We have introduced the Starter Homes Scheme to help young families with higher income but unable to purchase a flat in the private market to achieve home ownership. With a view to improving as soon as possible the poor living conditions of families who have been waiting for PRH for a long period of time, we are building transitional housing units in collaboration with private landowners who are lending us their land at no cost and with non-governmental organisations who will manage such projects to achieve also the community building goal. We are piloting with a Cash Allowance Trial Scheme for eligible PRH General Applicant households who have been waiting for PRH for more than three years and have gained the support of the Legislative Council Bills Committee to legislate for tenancy control of subdivided units. Looking ahead, the Kau Yi Chau Artificial Islands and the Northern Metropolis to be developed under the “infrastructure-led” and “capacity building” principles will provide sufficient land to meet our housing and other demands. Urban redevelopment will also be expedited to arrest urban decay and ensure building safety, while offering an opportunity to provide some much-needed public space in the city environs.

Moving up along the housing ladder from the 1st rung to the 5th rung: The 1st rung: Public Rental Housing The 2nd rung: Green Form Subsidised Home Ownership Scheme The 3rd rung: Home Ownership Scheme The 4th rung: Starter Homes The 5th rung: Private Housing

Revised the public/private split of new housing supply from 60:40 to 70:30 Identified last year about 330 hectares of land to build 316 000 public housing units between 2021-22 and 2030-31 Invited the Urban Renewal Authority and MTRCL to take part in providing public housing There are more public housing units in current 5 years: the total public housing production in the current term (2017-18 to 2021-22) will reach 96 500 units, an increase of 44% as compared to 66 800 units in the previous term (2012-13 to 2016-17)

Identified land to build 15 000 units

90 000 target households

Expected to be passed into law by the Legislative Council before end-October 2021

493 units of first pilot project at Ma Tau Wai Road sold out; 3 other projects of over 3 000 units being implemented

Take a 380-square-feet unit in Kai Long Court sold in 2018 as an example, the selling price was HK$2.9 million after new pricing policy, down by 26% as compared to HK$3.9 million before new pricing policy

Estimated 93 500 private housing units during current term government, 38% higher than previous term Raised the cap on the value of the properties eligible fora mortgage loan under the Mortgage Insurance Programme (MIP) from HK$4 million to HK$8 million for first-time home buyers

The downpayment for purchasing a property of HK$8 million decreases by 75% from HK$3.2 million to HK$0.8 million while the downpayment for purchasing a property of HK$10 million decreases by 60% from HK$5 million to HK$2 million. Over 90% of applications were first-time home buyers after the relaxation.

Land Supply over Next 30 Years - Major Land Development Projects Projects … potential land supply

1. Kau Yi Chau … 1 000 hectares

2. Ngau Tam Mei Land Use Review … 80 hectares 3. San Tin/Lok Ma Chau Development Node … 340 hectares 4. New Territories North New Town … 1 180 hectares 5. Man Kam To … 70 hectares 6. Additional Land under Northern Metropolis Development Strategy… 600 hectares

7. Ma Liu Shui Reclamation … 60 hectares 8. Redevelopment of Shatin Sewage Treatment Works Site After Relocation … 28 hectares 9. Tseung Kwan O Area 137 … 80 hectares 10. Lung Kwu Tan Reclamation … 220 hectares 11. Tuen Mun West (including River Trade Terminal) … 220 hectares 12. Tuen Mun East … 70 hectares 13. After Use of Lam Tei Quarry … 96 hectares 14. Sunny Bay Reclamation … 80 hectares Total: About 4 100 hectares Note: 1. The listed projects have not included i) those with works commenced/in advanced stage of planning,such as New Development Areas in Kwu Tung North/Fanling North, Hung Shui Kiu/Ha Tsuen and Yuen Long South and ii) supply from the Land Sharing Pilot Scheme and Greenbelt review, etc.. 2. The actual developable area will be subject to detailed studies.

2014-15 to 2018-19 (in previous 5 years): 20 hectares 2019-20 and 2020-21 (in past 2 years): 90 hectares 2021-22 and beyond: 700 hectares (500 hectares to be resumed in first five years)

Over 860 hectares of brownfield sites will be gradually redeveloped for housing and other uses, accounting for over 54% of total brownfield areas, including 815 hectares falling within New Development Areas projects being implemented or planned, or other known development projects; and 47 hectares falling within the 12 shortlisted brownfield clusters (producing over 30 000 public housing units), which we have commenced engineering feasibility studies and strive to transform the clusters into “spade-ready” sites within 6 years.

Revised the public/private split of new housing supply from 60:40 to 70:30 in 2018 and accordingly earmarked more land for public housing. (THB, DEVB) Identified 330 hectares of land in 2020 to provide 316 000 public housing units to meet the 10-year public housing supply target of 301 000 units between 2021-22 and 2030-31. (THB) Raised domestic plot ratio for public housing sites in selected Density Zones of the Main Urban Areas and New Towns by up to maximum 30% where technically feasible to maximise yield (as against the previous maximum of 20%). (THB, DEVB) Re-allocated nine private housing sites in Kai Tak Development Area and Anderson Road Quarry for public housing in 2018 to provide some 11 000 units. (THB) Revised the land premium arrangement for the Hong Kong Housing Society (HKHS) to continue to provide subsidised housing and to redevelop aged rental estates on a financially sustainable basis. (THB)

Increased total public housing production to 96 500 flats in the five-year period 2017-18 to 2021-22, representing an increase of about 30 000 flats when compared with the previous five-year period 2012-13 to 2016-17. In addition, 38 700 flats have been recovered during the same period for re-allocation to waiting list applicants. (THB) Approved in 2020 by the Hong Kong Housing Authority (HKHA) the redevelopment of Shek Lei Interim Housing, as well as the rehousing and clearance arrangements with December 2022 as the target clearance date. The redevelopment can deliver about 1 600 units in 2028. (THB) Endorsed in 2021 by HKHA the redevelopment of four factory estates for public housing. (THB)

Delinked the price of Home Ownership Scheme (HOS) flats from market prices in 2018 and Green Form Subsidised Home Ownership Scheme (GSH) and Starter Homes (SH) units are priced on HOS basis. A typical flat sold in HOS 2018 is about 26% cheaper as a result of the change. So far, about 16 300 HOS flats have been sold under the revised pricing policy. (THB)

Approved the preliminary proposal from the Hong Kong Settlers Housing Corporation Limited (HKSHCL) and the Urban Renewal Authority (URA) to jointly redevelop the Tai Hang Sai Estate, subject to proper rehousing arrangements by HKSHCL for existing tenants. Subject to the approval of the Town Planning Board, the project will provide about 1 300 flats for rehousing existing tenants by HKSHCL and about 2 000 SH units to be provided by URA. (THB)

Established a five-rung housing ladder to meet the needs of families of different means by regularising the GSH and White Form Secondary Market Scheme (WSM); and introducing SH pilot projects. Since January 2018, about 8 400 GSH flats have been put up for sale, while WSM quotas were increased from 2 500 in 2018 to 4 500 in 2020. Under the first SH pilot project, URA sold 493 units in eResidence at Ma Tau Wai Road. (THB, DEVB) Took forward three other SH projects with over 3 000 units in total. They are: (1) a URA redevelopment project adjacent to eResidence, providing about 260 units for sale in 2023-24; (2) a private residential site at Anderson Road successfully tendered for development of no less than 1 000 SH units; and (3) redevelopment of Tai Hang Sai Estate jointly undertaken by the HKSHCL and URA to provide about 2 000 SH units. (THB, DEVB)

Entrusted the URA with a new mission to actively provide more SH or other types of subsidised sale flats (SSFs) in its redevelopment projects. (DEVB, THB) Commenced two pilot Civil Servants' Co-operative Building Society Scheme redevelopment projects in Kowloon City in 2020 by URA to provide about 3 000 flats, of which about 1 000 flats will be allocated to SSFs. (DEVB) Pressed ahead with the development at Siu Ho Wan Depot site by MTRCL to provide about 20 000 residential units, with around 50% as public housing. The target is to have the first batch of about 6 000 public and private housing units ready for intake from around 2030. (DEVB, THB)

Implemented an enhanced “Letting Scheme for Subsidised Sale Developments with Premium Unpaid” by HKHS in 2019, which HKHA decided to join on a regular basis in 2021. As at end-August 2021, about 630 and 440 applications from owners and tenants have been approved respectively, with 90 tenancy agreements signed. (THB) Facilitated HKHS' launch of “Flat for Flat Pilot Scheme for Elderly Owners” in 2019. As at end-August 2021, 14 applications have been approved. (THB) Launched a trial scheme in 2019 by HKHA to grant lifetime full rent exemption to elderly under-occupation households upon their transfer to suitably-sized flats. Regularised the scheme in 2020 and extended its coverage to elderly households residing in Housing for Senior Citizens of Type 1 Design and Non-self-contained Converted-one-person Units. As at end-August 2021, about 430 applications were approved with 111 households successfully transferred to suitably-sized flats. (THB) About 800 recovered Tenants Purchase Scheme flats have been put up for sale under GSH 2020-21. (THB)

Expedited private housing supply, with some 93 500 private housing units expected to be completed in the current five-year term (26 000 units more than that in the previous five years). (THB) Amended the Lands Department (LandsD) Consent Scheme requiring developers to offer for sale no less than 20% of the total number of residential units that are subject to the relevant pre-sale consent at each turn of sale. (THB) Raised the maximum property value eligible for mortgage loans up to 90% loan-to-value (LTV) ratio from $4 million to $8 million under the Mortgage Insurance Programme for first-time home buyers. For other home buyers, increased the maximum property value eligible for mortgage loans up to 80% LTV ratio from $6 million to $10 million. As at end-August 2021, around 69 000 applications were approved under the new mortgage insurance coverage, with over 90% being first-time home buyers. (FSTB)

Identified land for providing over 15 000 transitional housing units, of which 1 306 units were completed, over 4 200 units are under construction, and projects with over 9 900 units have commenced consultation, procurement or tender procedures as at September 2021. (THB) Set up in mid-2020 the Funding Scheme to Support Transitional Housing Projects by non-governmental organisations (NGOs), with 24 projects approved under $5.596 billion funding as at September 2021. (THB) Launched a Pilot Scheme in April 2021 with $95 million from the Community Care Fund to support NGOs to use about 800 rooms in hotels and guesthouses as transitional housing. Approved up to September 2021, a total subsidy of about $72 million for six projects to provide 576 units. More projects are under consideration. (THB) Engaged the URA, Hong Kong Construction Association and other organisations to provide professional advice and consultancy services to assist NGOs in transitional housing projects. (THB)

Launched the three-year Cash Allowance Trial Scheme in June 2021 to provide cash allowance to eligible General Applicant households. As at end-August 2021, about 30 000 households received the cash allowance. (THB) Gained the support of the Bills Committee of the Legislative Council (LegCo) of a comprehensive bill imposing tenancy controls on subdivided units (SDUs) with a view to securing its passage by the LegCo in October 2021. (THB)

Updated the territorial development strategy under “Hong Kong 2030+: Towards a Planning Vision and Strategy Transcending 2030”. (DEVB)

Accepted in full the multi-pronged land supply strategy and eight land supply options worthy of priority study and implementation1 as recommended by the Task Force on Land Supply (TFLS) to encourage redevelopment of brownfield sites and other agricultural lots through government-led resumption and projects, unlock private land under public-private partnership, and create new land through reclamation in strategic spots. (DEVB) Resumed significantly more private land for housing development: In 2019-20 and 2020-21, total 90 hectares of land resumed mainly for New Development Areas (NDAs) and public housing development, far more than 20 hectares in the preceding five years (2014-15 to 2018-19). Planned to resume another 500 hectares in five years' time (2021-22 to 2025-26) and a further 200 hectares beyond 2025-26. Implemented in 2018 the enhanced compensation and re-housing arrangements to smoothen the land resumption and clearance for development projects, including NDAs and public housing development. (DEVB)

Spared no effort in taking forward the eight priority land supply options recommended by the TFLS, including: undertook studies for 12 brownfield clusters to provide over 30 000 public housing units; launched in May 2020 the three-year Land Sharing Pilot Scheme. Three applications involving potentially 12 250 public housing and 5 600 private housing units are under processing; commenced in September 2019 the study for developing a 32-hectare portion of Fanling Golf Course into public housing; implemented Tung Chung New Town Extension (TCNTE) project in phases. Commenced reclamation of 130 hectares at Tung Chung East in December 2017, with the first land parcel handed over to HKHA in slightly over two years. By now, over 60% of reclamation works were completed with the remaining 40% completed in 2023. The first phase of site formation, roads and infrastructure works commenced in May 2021 for phased completion between 2024 and 2028; commenced the engineering study on Road P1 (Tai Ho – Sunny Bay Section) in Lantau in June 2021 with a view to completing the works in 2030 to tie in with the development needs of Northern Lantau including TCNTE; pressed ahead with NDAs and other major development projects including Kai Tak Development (14 land parcels sold/delivered for housing development between January 2018 and July 2021); Kwu Tung North/Fanling North (commenced works in September 2019 and resumed 68 hectares of private land in December 2019); Hung Shui Kiu/Ha Tsuen (commenced works in July 2020 and resumed 12 hectares of private land in October 2020); and Yuen Long South (completed statutory planning procedures in August 2021 and commenced gazettal of the proposed road and sewerage works); completed in March 2021 the study for the first phase development of New Territories North (NTN) covering the San Tin/Lok Ma Chau Development Node (ST/LMC DN) and consulted the local community on the initial land use plan. Aimed to commence in October 2021 the investigation study and detailed design for works for the ST/LMC DN as well as planning and engineering (P&E) study for the second phase development of NTN covering Man Kam To Logistics Corridor and NTN New Town; commenced consultancy studies related to the artificial islands in the Central Waters in June 2021 for completion in around 3.5 years. Subject to the findings, first phase of reclamation works is expected to commence in 2027; conducted a number of discussion forums and related activities on the development of artificial islands in the Central Waters with relevant stakeholders, including professional institutions and their young members; aimed to seek the LegCo's funding approval in the first half of 2022 to commence the P&E study related to reclamation at Lung Kwu Tan and re-planning of Tuen Mun West area while making preparations for the funding application for the P&E study for reclamation at Sunny Bay; commenced the main construction works in July 2021 to relocate the Sha Tin Sewage Treatment Works to caverns; and undertook investigation and design (I&D) study for the re-location of Diamond Hill Fresh Water and Salt Water Service Reservoirs to caverns, and feasibility study on development of selected strategic cavern areas at Lantau, Tsing Yi and other suitable locations. Aimed to commence I&D studies for relocating Public Works Central Laboratory, Yau Tong Group Fresh Water and Salt Water Service Reservoirs, and Tsuen Wan No. 2 Fresh Water Service Reservoir to caverns, and feasibility study on relocating Tuen Mun Water Treatment Works to caverns, starting from end-2021. (DEVB)

Completed planning procedures for 40 sites outside NDAs for housing development since July 2017. Rezoning of another 22 sites is in progress. (DEVB) Relaunched in October 2018 the Re-vitalisation Scheme for Industrial Buildings (IBs). As at end-August 2021, 52 planning applications for increasing the redevelopment plot ratio were approved under the Scheme, providing a total gross floor area of about 1 084 000 square metres. (DEVB) Launched in March 2021 a two-year pilot scheme for charging land premium at standard rates for lease modifications for redevelopment of IBs constructed before 1987 to expedite lease modification and encourage IB revitalisation. As at mid-September 2021, four applications have opted for the scheme with land premium agreed. (DEVB) Increased commercial gross floor area in Kowloon East since the announcement of the Energizing Kowloon East initiative in 2011 by 70% to about 2.9 million square metres at present, to be further increased to about 3.9 million square metres taking into account projects under construction or approved. (DEVB) Pressed ahead with studies on three urban squatter areas (Cha Kwo Ling Village, Ngau Chi Wan Village and Chuk Yuen United Village) with a view to substantial completion in 2021 and commencing works in phases in around 2025 to deliver 8 700 public housing units in phases starting from 2029. (DEVB) Completed reviewing suitability of certain private land parcels zoned for high-density housing development but without any specific development plan, and announced that three private land parcels will be resumed to produce around 1 600 public housing flats. (DEVB) Launched a $1 billion funding scheme to support the use of vacant government sites by NGOs. As at end-August 2021, 20 applications have been approved. (DEVB)

Implemented streamlining measures relating to development control of the Buildings Department, LandsD and Planning Department. Since 2021, the scope of review has been expanded to cover all departments involved in vetting development proposals. (DEVB)

Set up a dedicated Land Supply Section in LandsD in 2019 to expedite land sale and processing of high yield lease modification and land exchange cases. As at September 2021, 29 cases were processed and 93 cases are being actively pursued by this office. (DEVB) Set up a Development Projects Facilitation Office under Development Bureau in December 2020 to monitor and ensure effective processing of development approval applications of larger-scale private residential sites in co-operation with designated co-ordinators in the relevant bureaux and departments. As at August 2021, 23 such projects obtained relevant development approvals through such facilitation. (DEVB)

Pursued more vigorously the “single site, multiple use” model to facilitate multi-storey Government, Institution or Community (GIC) projects and earmarked $22 billion for the first batch of projects. (DEVB, FSTB) Reviewed about 40 GIC sites with joint use potential with a view to formulating development proposals within 2021. (DEVB) Commenced the study on the overall planning and long-term development of Choi Hung Road Playground and Sports Centre (including the Choi Hung Road Market) site to improve recreational and sports facilities and integrate other uses such as underground vehicle park and social welfare facilities. (DEVB)

Established the Sustainable Lantau Office in December 2017 to take forward the development projects including the artificial islands in the Central Waters, TCNTE and initiatives regarding conservation, local improvement as well as leisure and recreation in Lantau. (DEVB) Established the Lantau Conservation Fund and its Advisory Committee to promote conservation of Lantau. Aimed to announce the results of the first batch of applications for conservation and related projects in October 2021. (DEVB) Formulated the “Lantau Conservation and Recreation Masterplan” to improve the existing natural, cultural and recreational resources of Lantau. (DEVB) Formulated “the Lantau Trails and Recreation Plan” for improving the trails and associated facilities in Lantau, including constructing a Round-the-Lantau route. For the improvement and expansion works for mountain bike trail network project, detailed design work for Mui Wo to Pui O section is in progress. (DEVB) Approved about $11.8 million to fund 11 environmental education and community action projects on nature conservation in South Lantau under the Environment and Conservation Fund. (ENB)

Adopt more widely Modular Integrated Construction (MiC) and innovative construction technology to speed up public housing construction. MiC has been adopted for four public housing projects in Tung Chung, Hung Shui Kiu, Kwun Tong and Anderson Road Quarry sites so far. (THB) Leverage private sector expertise to speed up public housing construction by adopting a new contract procurement model to allow contractors to undertake design and construction in a single contract, and improve the standard design and material standards to further improve the efficiency of the construction of public housing. The Housing Department can then focus its existing design manpower on expediting the pre-construction planning of new projects with a view to letting out the construction contracts as early as possible. (THB)

Redevelop four HKHA's factory estates as public housing. These sites are capable of producing some 4 800 units in 2031 and beyond, subject to completion of the necessary rezoning process. (THB) Undertake redevelopment of two among the most aged public rental housing estates, namely Sai Wan Estate and Ma Tau Wai Estate by inviting HKHA to draw up a programme taking into account the possibility of enlarging the redevelopment sites by incorporating nearby land to maximise the housing yield. (THB)

Provide a further 5 000 transitional housing units to increase the overall supply to 20 000 units, and to increase the commitment of the relevant funding scheme from $8.3 billion to $11.6 billion. (THB)

Put in place the implementation details enabling tenancy control for SDUs coming into operation in January 2022 after passage of bill by the LegCo. (THB)

Pursue development in various parts of the New Territories including the NDAs in the light of the Northern Metropolis Development Strategy announced in the 2021 PA. (DEVB) Review the administration of Tso/Tong to unlock the development potential of Tso/Tong land through amendment to the New Territories Ordinance (Cap. 97) in consultation with Heung Yee Kuk. (HAB) Extend the “standard rates” for premium assessment from redevelopment of IBs to land exchange cases in the NDAs. (DEVB)

Strive to ensure timely delivery of the housing production target for the next decade as pledged through high-level steer and monitoring of the about 110 projects involved in the latter five-year period. (DEVB, THB)

Further streamline the development control procedures by taking a critical and root and branch examination of the statutory town planning, environmental impact assessment, land resumption and works-related procedures and vigorously adopt other administrative measures. (DEVB, ENB and other bureaux)

Revive and expedite near-shore reclamation projects at Lung Kwu Tan (including re-planning of Tuen Mun West) and Ma Liu Shui by seeking funding for related studies in the first half of 2022. (DEVB)

Conduct a new round of review of sites zoned “Green Belt” to identify potential developable land. The screening process is expected to complete in mid-2022, to be followed by technical studies. (DEVB)

Extend the measures of allowing IB redevelopment to exceed permitted plot ratio by no more than 20% and exempting the waiver fees chargeable for wholesale conversion to October 2024. (DEVB)

Consult the LegCo on legislative amendments for implementing the Land Titles Ordinance (Cap. 585) on newly granted land first to provide greater certainty to the titles of privately owned land, upon extensively engaging and reaching consensus with key stakeholders. (DEVB)

Streamline and enhance the public private partnership scheme under the new nature conservation policy to better balance development and conservation. (ENB)

1 The eight options are: (i) expediting brownfield development; (ii) drawing up details of the Land Sharing Pilot Scheme to unleash development potential of private agricultural land; (iii) developing 32 hectares of land east of Fan Kam Road of the Fanling Golf Course for housing development and commencing relevant detailed technical study; (iv) expediting studies on the some 1 000-hectare Kau Yi Chau artificial islands; (v) expediting studies on near-shore reclamation projects including Lung Kwu Tan, Sunny Bay and Siu Ho Wan; (vi) continuing cavern and underground space development and studies; (vii) pressing ahead with New Development Area projects; and (viii) commencing studies on the River Trade Terminal site and the coastal areas of Tuen Mun.

“To maintain a city's competitiveness is like sailing a boat against the current and it must forge ahead in order not to be driven back. Hence, Hong Kong must keep consolidating its existing strengths, exploring new advantages, expanding economic and trade ties with the world, and fostering closer exchange and co-operation with the Mainland.” “The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government is determined to boost the development of new and emerging industries in addition to our traditional industries, and considers that both innovation and technology and the creative industries have a competitive edge and much potential. They will not only promote a diversified economy, but also create more quality employment opportunities for our young people.” Hong Kong has the strong backing of the Motherland and the staunch support of the Central Government: capitalising on our strengths and enhancing our role in the Nation's 14th Five-Year Plan, the Belt and Road Initiative, the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the dual circulation economic strategy of the Mainland, Hong Kong enjoys unlimited business opportunities. The Government has endeavoured and will continue to seize those abundant opportunities by introducing policy measures, providing funding support, nurturing talents, enhancing international networks and creating closer partnership with the Central and Provincial authorities. This term of Government has played to its full in discharging the new functions of “facilitator” and “promoter”, on top of being a service provider and a regulator. Leveraging the HKSAR's high degree of autonomy in pursuing external affairs, we have sealed four Free Trade Agreements and four Investment Promotion and Protection Agreements involving 15 economies and eight Comprehensive Avoidance of Double Taxation Agreements/Arrangements, set up the 13th overseas Economic and Trade Office (ETO) in Bangkok, Thailand in February 2019, to be followed by the opening of our 14th ETO in Dubai, UAE in late October 2021. As with our Mainland counterparts, two supplements have been signed with regard to CEPA and new high level co-operation mechanisms have been set up with Sichuan in 2018 and shortly with Hubei. A proactive approach has also been adopted for strengthening Hong Kong's status as an international financial centre. A listing regime targeting the new economy was launched in 2018 and as a result, Hong Kong is now the world's second largest fund raising market for biotech companies. More than 15 pieces of legislation were enacted to promote the development of the securities, asset management and insurance. Hong Kong ranked amongst the top three in funds raised through initial public offerings in the past four years and total assets under management in Hong Kong stood at $34.9 trillion as of end-2020, representing a 44% increase over that of end-2017. The current term Government's leadership and investment in supporting innovation and technology has been well recognised by the sector. Committing no less than $130 billion so far, we believe that some essential seeds have been sown which would yield encouraging results in due course. Indeed, we have already seen the number of start-ups increased by 68% from around 2 229 in 2017 to a record high 3 755 in 2021, venture capital investment from $9.2 billion in 2017 to $9.9 billion in 2020, and the emergence of 12 unicorns in Hong Kong, with several of them incubated at the Cyberport and Science Park. The disruption caused by the riots in the latter half of 2019 and the prolonged period of the COVID-19 epidemic has inevitably affected some business sectors. The Government's strategy has been one to ensure people's safety while providing relief to affected businesses and individuals. Thanks to our keeping COVID-19 well under control, the Hong Kong economy has bounced back significantly in the first half of 2021, registering a year-on-year GDP growth of 7.8%. We are confident that with resumption of normal travel gradually and the strong support of the Central Government, Hong Kong's economy is set to pick up at a fast pace in the coming years.

1. Talk on the National 14th Five-Year Plan (August 2021) 2. Symposium to promulgate the Outline Development Plan for the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (February 2019) 3. Belt and Road Summit 2021 (September 2021) 4. High-level Meeting cum Hong Kong/Shenzhen Co-operation Meeting 2021 (September 2021) 5. Hong Kong Booth at China International Import Expo in Shanghai (November 2019) 6. GoGBA One-stop Platform Launch Ceremony (June 2021) Apart from the continuous support for Hong Kong in enhancing its status as an international financial, transportation and trade centre, as well as a centre for international legal and dispute resolution services in the Asia-Pacific region which are the four traditional centres, the 14th Five-Year Plan has raised for the first time the support for Hong Kong in four emerging sectors, namely supporting Hong Kong to enhance its status as an international aviation hub, and to develop into an international innovation and technology hub, a regional intellectual property trading centre, as well as a hub for arts and cultural exchanges between China and the rest of the world. Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (2020 figures) Area: About 56 000 sq.km Population: Over 86 million Gross Domestic Product (GDP): About US$1.7 trillion GDP per Capita: About US$19,800

78 of the world's 100 top banks operate in Hong Kong From 2017 to 2021, the total authorised institutions deposits increased by 17% from HK$12.8 trillion to HK$14.9 trillion while the aggregate balance increased by 143% from HK$180 billion to HK$437 billion

Average daily turnover of real time gross settlement reached RMB 1.5 trillion Processed about 75% of global offshore RMB payments

165 insurance companies Gross premium income of HK$608 billion Highest insurance density in Asia

Hong Kong's asset under management rose from HK$24.3 trillion in 2017 to HK$34.9 trillion in 2020, representing an increase of 43.6% Hong Kong's number of licensed asset managers rose from 1 477 in 2017 to 1 878 in 2020, representing an increase of 27.1% Over 330 new funds registered under the Limited Partnership Fund regime Largest hedge fund and second largest private equity fund hub in Asia

Second largest global listing venue for biotech firms Largest Initial Public Offering venue for seven times since 2009 The daily turnover of Northbound Bond Connect increased by 1 112% from RMB 2.2 billion in 2017 (since July) to RMB 26.5 billion in 2021 (January to August) The daily turnover of Northbound Stock Connect increased by 1 152% from RMB 9.6 billion in 2017 to RMB 121 billion in 2021 (January to August); while the daily turnover of Southbound Stock Connect increased by 379% from HK$9.8 billion in 2017 to HK$47 billion in 2021 (January to August) Over 50 new economy firms listed, raising over HK$550 billion since 2018 Third largest market in Asia in terms of market capitalisation Market capitalisation of the stock market increased by 38% from HK$34 trillion in 2017 to HK$47 trillion in 2021 (January to August); while the daily turnover increased by 108% from HK$88 billion in 2017 to HK$184 billion in 2021 (January to August)

Fintech companies: From around 180 (2017) to over 600 (2021) 8 virtual banks and 4 virtual insurers Fintech Proof-of-Concept subsidy scheme: 93 applications approved with subsidy amount of HK$10 million Faster Payment System: About 8.9 million registrations supporting wide range of payments with daily transaction at HK$5.2 billion and RMB 147 million

Cumulative green debt: Over US$38 billion (as at end-2020) Government Green Bond (GGB): Raised US$3.5 billion in two offerings Second GGB offering in January 2021: the 30-year tranche being the longest tenor US$-denominated government green bond in Asia

Half of the world's population within 5 hours' flying time Over 200 destinations worldwide (about 40 in the Mainland) Upon commissioning of the Three-runway System in 2024, the annual passenger handling capacity of the HKIA will increase from around 71.5 million in 2019 to around 100 million while its annual cargo handling capacity will increase from around 4.8 million tonnes to around 9 million tonnes Centers of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Logistics, Perishable Logistics and Live Animals

To be commissioned in phases from 2021 onwards Retail, dining, entertainment, office and hotels of 350 000 sq.m. gross floor area

Annual handling capacity to be increased from 40 000 tonnes to 180 000 tonnes Sorting capacity to be increased from 1 000 pieces/hour to 20 000 pieces/hour

Commissioned in October 2018 Shortened the travelling time between Zhuhai and the HKIA as well as Kwai Tsing Container Terminal to 45 minutes and 75 minutes respectively

Commissioned for goods vehicular traffic in August 2020 7th land crossing between Hong Kong and Shenzhen boundary Shortened the travelling time between Tai Po of Hong Kong and Longgang of Shenzhen to 31 minutes

Commissioned in September 2018 Connecting to 58 destinations in the Mainland The travelling time to Futian, Shenzhen is 14 minutes and that to Guangzhou, Guangdong is 46 minutes

World's 4th Largest Shipping Register As of mid-2017, the number of vessels registered was 2 542 and the gross tonnage registered reached 111 million tonnes As of mid-2021, the number of vessels registered was 2 589 and the gross tonnage registered reached 132 million tonnes Maritime desks set up in Shanghai, Singapore, London and Sydney to provide speedy service International Chamber of Shipping's first ever overseas branch set up in Hong Kong in 2019 Gross premium of marine insurance (ship) increased from HK$2,360 million in 2017 to HK$2,850 million in 2020 (provisional)

Total merchandise trade (2020 figures): HK$8,197 billion (6th largest in the world) Around 10.2% of export from the Mainland and 14.4% of import into the Mainland through Hong Kong (2020 figures) Total re-export from and into Mainland through Hong Kong: HK$3,475 billion Doubled the number of free trade agreements to 8, covering 20 economies Signed 4 investment agreements (IAs) with 13 overseas economies, bringing the total number of IAs to 22 with 31 economies The world's 3rd largest recipient of foreign direct investment in 2020

Amount of loans or funding approved: HK$120 billion Enterprises benefited: over 34 000 Employees benefited: over 429 000

Amount of loans or funding approved: HK$1.6 billion Enterprises benefited: over 2 300 Employees benefited: over 26 300

Amount of loans or funding approved: HK$970 million Enterprises benefited: over 13 600 Employees benefited: over 100 000

Additional coverage: HK$ 13.5 billion Shipments covered: HK$ 11.5 billion Policyholders benefited: over 1600

2020 318 new arbitration cases (most since 2009) The total amount in dispute: HK$68.8 billion (highest since 2011) July-December: 182 new cases (up 39% compared to 2019) 2019 308 new arbitration cases The total amount in dispute: HK$36.4 billion July-December: 131 new cases

GBA Mediation Platform First GBA Legal Professional Examination in July 2021 attracted 655 applicants from Hong Kong legal sector Qianhai Cooperation Zone: Over 11 000 Wholly Owned Hong Kong Enterprises can chooseHong Kong law as the applicable law for their contracts

Number of trademarks in force (End-2020 figures): 460 805 (up 20 percent from end-2016) Number of patents in force (End-2020 figures): 57 161 (up 24 percent from end-2016) Number of designs in force (End-2020 figures): 40 823 (up 11 percent from end-2016) Export and import of services related to the use of IP in 2019: HK$5.9 billion and HK$15.5 billion respectively (up 13 percent and 6 percent respectively from 2016) Profits tax deduction for capital expenditure for purchase of IP rights in 2019/20: HK$1.7 billion (up 58 percent from 2016/2017)

Launched the Original Grant Patent System in 2019 with 471 applications received Kept up to date IP-related legislation-Trade Marks Ordinance and Copyright Ordinance amended in 2020 to incorporate international treaty requirements

Eight-pronged Approach to Promote Innovation and Technology Development, including Infrastructure, Talent, Legislation/Regulation, Government procurement, Research & Development, Investment, Open Data, and Tech Culture, with HK$130 billion commitment

Gross Domestic Expenditure on R&D Increased by 23% from HK$21,300 million in 2017 to HK$26,300 million in 2019 Super Tax Deduction for R&D Expenditure (2018-19 to 2019-20) 348 claims involving HK$5.1 billion Increasing Funding Support to R&D Projects: Injected HK$20 billion into the Research Endowment Fund since July 2017 Injected HK$27.2 billion into the Innovation and Technology Fund since July 2017 Supporting Research Institutions: Provided HK$659 million to 16 State Key Laboratories and 6 Hong Kong Branches of Chinese National Engineering Research Centres since July 2017 Committed HK$10 billion for 28 InnoHK labs by top research institutions Provided HK$1.3 billion to 5 R&D Centres

Total HK$16.9 billion for about 34 000 projects to facilitate adoption of technology during 2017-2021 via: Distance Business Programme Technology Voucher Programme Enterprise Support Scheme General Support Programme Patent Application Grant Innovation and Technology Fund for Better Living Re-industrialisation Funding Scheme Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development Fund City I&T Grand Challenge TechConnect Public Sector Trial Scheme Government Digitisation

Venture Capital Investments: HK$9.9 billion (in 2020) Start-ups in Hong Kong: 3 755 Start-ups (up 68% from 2017), covering areas including Financial technology (Fintech)(12.8%), E-commerce/supply chain management/logistics technology (11.7%), Professional or consultancy services (10.8%), Information, computer & technology (10.1%), Design (7.6%), Data analytics (7%), Education & learning (5.9%), Hardware (IoT, 3-D printing, prototypes, wearables) (5%), Health & medical (3.9%), Social innovation/ventures (3.7%) and Others (21.5%) 12 Unicorns 13 804 Employees (up 118% from 2017)

Projects under planning/study: San Tin/Lok Ma Chau Development Node in San Tin Technopole, Lau Fau Shan, and Hong Kong Science Park Expansion Ma Liu Shui Reclamation Projects in progress: Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park in San Tin Technopole, Microelectronics Centre in Yuen Long Industrial Estate, Cyberport Phase 5 expansion, and Advanced Manufacturing Centre in Tseung Kwan O Industrial Estate; Projects completed: Data Technology Hub in Tseung Kwan O Industrial Estate Around 220 hectares for existing and earmarked sites for I&T Around 210 hectares for existing industrial estates (including Yuen Long Industrial Estate, Tai Po Industrial Estate and Tseung Kwan O Industrial Estate)  Around 250 hectares of additional land under Northern Metropolis Development Strategy and other initiatives in 2021 Policy Address

Persons Employed in I&T Sector increased by 13% from 39 490 in 2017 to 44 590 in 2019 Teachers and students benefited via: STEM Education Training Knowing More About IT Programme for Primary Schools IT Innovation Lab in Secondary Schools Programme Innovation and Technology Scholarship Over 10 000 I&T-related jobs supported via: Research Talent Hub STEM Internship Scheme GBA Youth Employment Scheme Schemes at other I&T institutions

Supported over 1 100 performing arts practitioners in more than 110 performances and activities in Greater Bay Area (GBA), attracting over 60 000 spectators Organised the 1st GBA Performing Arts Forum in 2019 In 2020-21, launched four online GBA programmes, attracting over 3.1 million views 

Large-scale international arts and cultural events held in Hong Kong include Art Basel Hong Kong, Hong Kong Arts Festival, French May Arts Festival, and WuDaoQingNian 2019 - Podium Dance Performance

1a. Xiqu Centre in West Kowloon Cultural District was opened in January 2019 1b. Freespace in West Kowloon Cultural District was opened in June 2019 1c. M+ Museum in West Kowloon Cultural District will open in November 2021 1d. Hong Kong Palace Museum in West Kowloon Cultural District will open in mid-2022 2. Hong Kong Museum of Art was reopened in November 2019 3. East Kowloon Cultural Centre will open by phases in 2023

Signed four new free trade agreements (FTAs) with 13 economies, thereby doubling the number of FTAs signed to eight; and signed four investment agreements (IAs) with 13 economies. They include: FTA and IA signed with the ten member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN); FTA and IA signed with Australia; FTA signed with Georgia; the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) and Macao SAR Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement (CEPA); and respective IAs signed with the United Arab Emirates and Mexico. (CEDB) Continued to forge or enhance FTAs and IAs, including: undertaking exploratory discussions with Thailand on a bilateral FTA; securing support from member economies to join the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership; working with Chile to expand and enhance the FTA; and conducting respective IA negotiations with Russia and Turkey. (CEDB) Concluded comprehensive avoidance of double taxation agreements/arrangements with 45 tax jurisdictions. (FSTB) Expanded the overseas Economic and Trade Office (ETO) network with the Bangkok ETO opened in 2019 and the Dubai ETO, our first ETO in the Middle East, to start operation within 2021. (CEDB)

Signed the CEPA Agreement on Trade in Goods with the Mainland in 2018 to fully implement zero tariff. (CEDB) Signed an amendment agreement to the CEPA Agreement on Trade in Services in 2019 to expand liberalisation measures. (CEDB) Established the Mainland and Hong Kong Economic and Trade Co-operation Committee in 2018 to promote economic and trade co-operation, enabling Hong Kong to better integrate into the overall development of the country. (CEDB) Extended the Single E-lock Scheme to cover 13 clearance points and six land boundary cargo control points in Hong Kong, as well as 63 clearance points in Guangdong Province. Extended service scope to cover Mainland postal items passing through Hong Kong. (CEDB) Established high-level co-operation mechanism with Sichuan in 2018. (CMAB) Held two meetings of Hong Kong/Shanghai Co-operation Conference in 2018 and 2021 covering a wide range of co-operation between the two cities. (CMAB) Elevate Hong Kong/Shenzhen co-operation to the level of Chief Executive and Shenzhen Party Secretary reflecting the growing importance of Hong Kong/Shenzhen co-operations and set up a total of 19 working groups in May 2021. (CMAB)

Secured 24 policy initiatives that are beneficial to Hong Kong's participation in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) development, with 21 fully or partially implemented. Notable ones include the assessment of 183 days for personal tax purpose, and according Hong Kong permanent residents the same status as local residents when purchasing residential properties in the GBA. (CMAB) Set up the Steering Committee for the Development of the GBA under the chairmanship of the Chief Executive and a dedicated GBA office headed by a Commissioner for the Development of the GBA. (CMAB) Signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Deepening Investment Promotion Co-operation in the GBA with Guangdong to implement co-operation in investment promotion and established the “Pan-Greater Bay Area Inward Investment Liaison Group”. (CMAB) Launched by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) in June 2021 the GoGBA digital platform and set up the “HKTDC GBA Centre” in Shenzhen to support Hong Kong enterprises to develop the Mainland domestic sales market. (CMAB, CEDB) Supported and assisted Hong Kong universities in establishing campuses in the GBA Mainland cities and exploring more flexible and innovative operation models for closer higher education co-operation. (EDB) Signed a collaborative framework agreement by the Vocational Training Council and the Shenzhen Polytechnic in 2020 to strengthen collaboration in offering joint programmes, vocational training, internships, and exchange opportunities, as well as research and development (R&D). (EDB) Reached consensus with the Shenzhen Municipal People's Government on the redevelopment of Huanggang Port with colocation arrangement. (SB) Extended the operating hours of the Shenzhen Bay Port to 24-hours for goods vehicles from 10 December 2020 and commissioned clearance service for goods vehicles at the Liantang/Heung Yuen Wai from 26 August 2020. (SB) Abolished the embarkation fee for cross-boundary ferry passengers with effect from 1 August 2020. (THB) Signed the Co-operation Agreement between Guangdong and Hong Kong on Equine Industry Development and set up an Equine Industry Co-operation Task Force to promote the development jointly with Guangdong. (FHB)

Signed the “Arrangement between the National Development and Reform Commission and the Government of the HKSAR for Advancing Hong Kong's Full Participation in and Contribution to the Belt and Road Initiative” in December 2017 and set up the Joint Conference mechanism in 2018. Launched the Belt and Road Joint Conference Policy Exchange and Capacity Building Programme in 2019. (CEDB) Established the Mainland and Hong Kong Belt and Road Task Group in 2018 to co-ordinate trade and economic co-operation by the HKSAR Government and the Ministry of Commerce. (CEDB) Co-organised the annual Belt and Road Summit with the HKTDC. The sixth Summit in 2021 attracted over 6 000 registrants from over 80 countries and regions. Arranged more than 770 one-on-one business matching sessions. (CEDB) Established exchange and collaboration platforms for promoting Belt and Road (B&R) participation of Hong Kong enterprises and professional services sector, including the Mainland Enterprises Partnership Exchange and Interface Programme in May 2021, and carried out a number of business and professional missions overseas. (CEDB) Enhanced the HKTDC's B&R Portal in July 2019 and introduced the SME Transformation Sandbox in April 2020. (CEDB) Secured the support of the Ministry of Commerce in encouraging Hong Kong enterprises to utilise the Mainland's overseas Economic and Trade Co-operation Zones (ETCZs) in business development. Two online exchange sessions were held in 2021 to further Hong Kong's business understanding of the five ETCZs in Southeast Asia. (CEDB) Signed MoU on enhancing exchanges and co-operation in promoting high-quality development of ETCZs with the Ministry of Commerce in September 2021. (CEDB) Relaxed the visa requirements for nationals of Belarus, Vietnam, Panama and Armenia visiting Hong Kong; allowed eligible Vietnamese nationals to take up employment in Hong Kong; and secured relaxation on visa requirements for HKSAR passport holders from more B&R countries. (SB)

Implemented the two-tiered profits tax rates regime to reduce tax burden on enterprises, especially small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and start-ups. In the year of assessment 2019/20, about 92 000 profits tax payers benefited with total tax savings of $5.9 billion. (FSTB) Abolished the Doubled Ad Valorem Stamp Duty rates applicable to non-residential property transactions with effect from 26 November 2020. As at end-August 2021, some $3.5 billion has been saved by duty payers in about 17 200 transactions. (FSTB)

Established the Chief Executive's Council of Advisers on Innovation and Strategic Development in March 2018 to give advice on Hong Kong's strategic positioning and long-term development. The Council has since met 12 times. (PICO/CSO)

Established the Steering Committee on Innovation and Technology under the chairmanship of the Chief Executive in December 2017 to steer innovation and technology (I&T) and smart city development. (ITB) Committed a total of over $130 billion to give I&T development a big boost. (ITB) Implemented the new pro-innovation government procurement policy since April 2019. (FSTB)

Introduced the enhanced tax deduction for qualifying R&D expenditure incurred by enterprises from 1 April 2018. The total amount of relevant expenditure for claiming tax deduction in the year of assessment 2019/20 was about $3.21 billion, more than 100% increase as compared to 2017/18. (ITB) Injected $9.5 billion into the Innovation and Technology Fund and consolidated the balance of certain subheads to better utilise resources. (ITB) Doubled the annual funding for each State Key Laboratory and Hong Kong branch of Chinese National Engineering Research Centre to $10 million, and that for both the Technology Start-up Support Scheme for Universities and the technology transfer offices of universities to $8 million per university since April 2019. (ITB)

Co-invested in local I&T start-ups with partner venture capital funds through the Innovation and Technology Venture Fund since 2019. By August 2021, invested in 21 start-ups with more than $120 million. (ITB) Injected $7 billion into the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTPC) in 2018 for enhancing support for its tenants, including: increasing the financial support under HKSTPC's Incubation Programmes to a maximum of $4 million, benefiting over 500 start-ups so far; and launching a pre-incubation programme in 2019 to provide $100,000 seed funding for entrepreneurial technology talents, with over 330 applications approved so far. (ITB) Injected $200 million into Cyberport in 2018 for enhancing support for its start-ups and tenants, including: increasing the financial subsidy under the Cyberport Incubation Programme to a maximum of $500,000 benefiting 545 start-ups benefited so far; launching the Easy Landing Scheme; and launching the Overseas/Mainland Market Development Support Scheme, with 61 applications approved so far. (ITB) Injected $100 million into Cyberport in 2018 to promote the development of e-sports. (ITB) Opened a new e-sports competition venue in July 2019; introduced the E-sports Industry Facilitation Scheme and the E-sports Internship Scheme in April 2019, with 144 projects and 79 intern positions approved so far. (ITB) Injected $200 million by Cyberport into its Cyberport Macro Fund in 2021, with the current fund size at $400 million. More than $162 million have been invested in 20 companies so far, attracting over $1.418 billion of private investment. (ITB) Injected funding by HKSTPC into its Corporate Venture Fund in 2019 and 2021, with the current fund size reaching $600 million. Invested $238.3 million in 21 start-ups, attracting over $3.1 billion of private investment. (ITB) Established the I&T Inventions Experience Sharing and Business Promotion Platform with the HKTDC and I&T sector in June 2020 to promote Hong Kong's research outcome and applications. (CEDB, ITB)

Launched the $2 billion Re-industrialisation Funding Scheme in July 2020 to subsidise manufacturers to set up new local smart production lines. Supported 16 applications with around $108 million. (ITB) Commenced the development of the Advanced Manufacturing Centre and Microelectronics Centre by HKSTPC. (ITB) Launched the Re-industrialisation and Technology Training Programme in 2018 to support staff of local enterprises to attend advanced technology training courses. Supported over 5 860 trainees to attend over 7 520 training sessions with funding amount of $51.6 million. (ITB)

Provided funding of $10 billion for establishing the InnoHK research clusters with 28 laboratories set up by local institutions in collaboration with world-renowned institutions. (ITB) Commenced construction of major infrastructure works at the Lok Ma Chau Loop in July 2021 for the development of the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park (HSITP). First batch of buildings to be completed starting from end-2024. (ITB) Commenced operation of the Cyberport Smart-Space 8 co-working space in July 2018, with full occupancy at the moment. (ITB) Completed Stage 1 of the Science Park expansion programme in 2019 with the total gross floor area increased to around 400 000 square metres, while continuing Science Park Expansion to provide more space for tech enterprises and start-ups. Completed the InnoCell with about 500 residential spaces in end-2020 to provide living and collaborative space. (ITB) Injected $3 billion into HKSTPC in 2018 for developing R&D-related facilities, such as biobank and the Robotics Catalysing Centre, which have gradually been commissioned since 2020. (ITB) Commenced operation of the Data Technology Hub in 2020. (ITB) Commenced works for Cyberport 5 for target completion in 2025. (ITB)

Co-operated with the Shenzhen Municipal People's Government to jointly develop the Co-operation Zone which comprises the Shenzhen I&T Zone and the HSITP, with a view to establishing “one zone, two parks”. (ITB) Signed a co-operation arrangement with Shenzhen Municipal People's Government for jointly attracting more talent and enterprises to the Co-operation Zone. (ITB) Signed a framework agreement by HKSTPC with Shenzhen regarding the establishment of the Shenzhen branch of the Hong Kong Science Park. (ITB)

Promulgated the open data policy in October 2018. Provided over 4 800 datasets in machine-readable formats and around 1 800 application programming interfaces (APIs) on the Public Sector Information Portal. (ITB)

Launched the inaugural City I&T Grand Challenge in December 2020. (ITB) Established the Science Promotion Unit in April 2020 to promote and popularise science. (HAB)

Released the Smart City Blueprint for Hong Kong 2.0 in December 2020, with over 130 initiatives under six smart areas. (ITB) Put forth smart village pilots to explore the use of technology in addressing daily life issues in rural areas. Provided free Wi-Fi services at 24 village premises, and will extend the services progressively. (ITB) Launched the one-stop personalised digital services platform “iAM Smart” in December 2020 with over 860 000 Hong Kong residents registered and about 7.1 million access through “iAM Smart” to online services. As at mid-September 2021, the public can access more than 150 online services. (ITB) Launched the Next Generation Government Cloud and Big Data Analytics Platform in September 2020 to facilitate bureaux and departments in expediting the implementation of e-Government services and support more projects adopting big data analytics. (ITB) Launched the smart lampposts virtual exhibition to enhance public understanding of smart lampposts. Testing the use of Light Detection and Ranging technology as a substitute for cameras in detecting vehicle speed and identifying vehicle types. (ITB) Set up the Smart Government Innovation Lab in April 2019 to facilitate wider use of local information technology (IT) solutions to improve public services. So far, matched 61 business needs with solutions, and arranged 79 thematic workshops. Arranged proof-of-concept (PoC) testing for more than 30 solutions and launched the “Leading Towards Robotics Technologies” campaign in 2020 to inspire government departments to apply robotics technologies. (ITB) Approved 99 projects under TechConnect (block vote) to support Government departments to apply technology. (ITB) Regularised the Technology Voucher Programme in February 2019; raised the Government's funding ratio to 75% and increased the cumulative funding ceiling per applicant to $600,000 in April 2020. Approved $688 million for some 4 400 applications so far. (ITB) Expanded the funding scope of the Public Sector Trial Scheme to all technology companies conducting R&D activities in Hong Kong in March 2020. Funded more than 210 projects with $441 million. (ITB) Launched the all-in-one “HKeMobility” mobile application in July 2018 for the public to acquire real-time traffic and transport information with more than 2.6 million downloads as at end-August 2021. (THB) Set up the Technical Advisory Committee on the Application of Autonomous Vehicle (AV) Technologies in Hong Kong in November 2019 to study the necessary legislative amendments to facilitate the development and application of AVs. (THB) Set up the $1 billion Smart Traffic Fund, which started to accept applications in March 2021. (THB) Disseminated real-time parking vacancy information on about 6 300 hourly parking spaces in Kowloon East, covering about 73% of such parking spaces in the district. (DEVB) Completed eight proof of concept trials in Kowloon East and conducted knowledge and experience sharing sessions with relevant government departments and stakeholders. (DEVB) Launched the three-dimensional (3D) Pedestrian Network covering the built up areas and 3D digital map covering various districts in December 2020. Made good progress for the launch of the Common Spatial Data Infrastructure portal for government use by end-2021 and for use by the public by end-2022, with at least 320 spatial datasets for free download. Established the Geospatial Lab in May 2021 to engage the public in the use of spatial data, with its physical working space in Kwun Tong opened to the public in July 2021. (DEVB) Launched a chatbot (“Bonny”) on the GovHK portal in December 2019 to facilitate the public to search and access around 3 700 government forms and related e-Government services. (ITB) Launched a chatbot at 1823 in December 2019 for citizens to obtain information more quickly, with about 34 000 enquiries answered. (ITB) Implemented the territory-wide smart identity card replacement exercise to upgrade security features and enhance efficiency of boundary-crossing. As at August 2021, over 4.8 million identity card holders had applied for the new generation of identity card. (SB) Introduced smart elements in prison management with the 1st generation of “Smart Prison” – Tai Tam Gap Correctional Institution commenced operation in May 2021. (SB) Implemented an enhanced “Post-dispatch Advice (PDA) Computer System” in early October 2018, and provided PDA service to about 1.6 million emergency ambulance calls (around 93% of the calls received) as at end-August 2021. (SB) Launched the “e-Ticketing Pilot Scheme” in March 2020 for the issuance of fixed penalty tickets against illegal parking and expanded the scheme in March 2021 to cover traffic moving offences. (THB) Procured and put to use advanced equipment to enhance cross-boundary clearance efficiency and step up enforcement. (SB) Provided data to over 100 researchers in 16 collaboration projects through the Hospital Authority (HA) Data Collaboration Lab since 2019. Launched the Self Services Platform to support further exploration and innovation with healthcare data by local researchers. (FHB) Implemented a streamlined licence renewal process for employment agencies in January 2021. (LWB) Integrated the Higher Education Employment Information e-Platform into the Interactive Employment Service website to achieve synergy in serving job seekers in August 2021. (LWB) Deployed more than 1 300 smart safety devices in public works contracts to uplift overall construction safety. (DEVB)

Injected $500 million into the Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development Fund in 2021-22. Allocated over $470 million with 330 projects funded, benefiting over 280 000 persons as at August 2021. (ITB)

Established the Air Accident Investigation Authority under the Transport and Housing Bureau in September 2018 with six investigations completed as at August 2021. (THB) Injected $200 million into the Maritime and Aviation Training Fund in May 2019. Commissioned two new schemes, “Local Vessel Competency Enhancement Scheme” and “Aviation Operations Training Incentive Scheme” to meet the respective manpower demands. Administered a total of 14 schemes and benefited more than 12 500 people as at July 2021. (THB) Signed a MoU with Civil Aviation Administration of China in 2019 to expand air services and intermodal arrangements under the Air Services Arrangement between the Mainland and the HKSAR. (THB) Upheld our aviation network with around 120 airlines operating flight services between Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) and over 200 destinations worldwide, including around 40 Mainland ports in 2020. (THB) Attained International Air Transport Association's Centers of Excellence for Independent Validators in Pharmaceutical Logistics, Perishable Logistics, and Live Animals Logistics accreditations for the HKIA and its cargo terminals under Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK)'s leadership. (THB) Assisted the AAHK in taking forward the Three-Runway System Project. Awarded 37 major contracts with about $97.6 billion. Reclamation of around 650 hectares of land substantially completed and the pavement works for the 3 800-metre Third Runway completed. (THB) Assisted AAHK in taking forward the construction of the Intermodal Transfer Terminal for seamless transfer by Macao and Mainland passengers arriving at the HKIA via the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB) for flights to and from various international destinations. (THB) Made good progress in implementing the “Airport City” blueprint by AAHK to enhance the HKIA's capacity and functionality, including the SKYCITY project, the “Airportcity Link” that connects the HKIA and the HZMB Hong Kong Boundary Crossing Facilities Island, automated carparks for self-driving visitors from Macao and the Mainland via the HZMB, and a new campus and dormitory of the Hong Kong International Aviation Academy. (THB) Assisted AAHK in taking forward various projects to improve the efficiency of the HKIA and passenger experience, including the SkyBridge connecting Terminal 1 building and the North Satellite Concourse, boarding gate transformation, development of 5G infrastructure and deployment of autonomous electric tractors for baggage delivery. (THB) Continued to pursue actively the negotiation with the relevant authorities concerning the acquisition of shares of the Zhuhai Airport on the basis of market principles. (THB) Assisted AAHK in taking forward projects to increase the handling capacity for air cargo, including the expansion of the Central Asia Hub of DHL Express and the construction of a premium logistics centre. (THB) Secured funding of $4.6 billion in May 2021 for the redevelopment of the Air Mail Centre at the HKIA. Expected to commence operation in end-2027 the earliest, the annual handling capacity would increase by 4.5 times, which is sufficient to cater for the projected mail traffic volume for the next 15 to 20 years. (CEDB)

Upheld the connectivity of Hong Kong Port with about 280 container vessel sailings per week connecting to over 600 destinations worldwide. (THB) Enhanced Hong Kong's position as a global maritime hub through: (i) establishment of the first-ever overseas branch of The International Chamber of Shipping in Hong Kong in 2019; (ii) including Hong Kong as the fourth named arbitration venue by the Baltic and International Maritime Council in September 2020; (iii) setting up regional desk services of the Hong Kong Shipping Registry in four cities; (iv) enacting the Inland Revenue (Amendment) (Ship Leasing Tax Concessions) Ordinance 2020 to provide tax concessions to qualifying ship leasing business; and (v) facilitating the access of mega-vessels through dredging the Kwai Tsing Container Basin and its approach channel, and relaxing the air draft restriction at Tsing Ma Bridge by amending the Shipping and Port Control Regulations (Cap. 313A) and the Merchant Shipping (Local Vessels) (General) Regulation (Cap. 548F). (THB) Studied and advised on the economic impacts and details of tax concession proposals to attract more shipping commercial principals to base in Hong Kong through a dedicated Task Force under the Hong Kong Maritime and Port Board. (THB) Signed a MoU with Maritime London in September 2017 to step up the collaboration between Hong Kong and London in promoting the maritime industry. (THB) Launched a $300 million pilot subsidy scheme to provide financial incentive to qualified third-party logistics service providers to adopt technology. As at 31 August 2021, 101 projects have been approved, involving around $66 million. (THB) Concluded the feasibility studies for two port back-up sites in Tsing Yi and Kwai Chung to release the sites through public tender for developing multi-storey port back-up and modern logistics facilities starting 2021. (THB)

Established the Financial Leaders Forum under the chairmanship of the Financial Secretary to provide policy steer on strategic proposals to strengthen Hong Kong's position as an international financial centre. (FSTB)

Commenced operation of the open-ended fund company regime since 30 July 2018. (FSTB) Commenced operation of the limited partnership fund regime since 31 August 2020. (FSTB) Offered profits tax exemption under the Inland Revenue Ordinance (Cap. 112) to onshore and offshore privately offered funds with effect from 1 April 2019. (FSTB) Provided tax concessions for carried interest distributed by eligible private equity funds operating in Hong Kong starting from 2020-21. (FSTB) Entered into mutual recognition of funds arrangements with the Mainland, Switzerland, France, the United Kingdom (UK), Luxembourg, the Netherlands and Thailand. (FSTB) Relaxed the investment restrictions on real estate investment trusts of Hong Kong and broadened the investor base. (FSTB) Offered one-stop support services by InvestHK to family offices which are interested in establishing a presence in Hong Kong since June 2021. (FSTB) Launched northbound Bond Connect in July 2017 and southbound in September 2021. In the first eight months of 2021, the northbound average turnover stood at Renminbi (RMB) 26.5 billion, 32.8% up year-on-year. As at August 2021, the amount of foreign holdings of bonds reached RMB 3,700 billion. (FSTB) Launched the Pilot Insurance-linked Securities (ILS) Grant Scheme in May 2021 with an approved commitment of $48 million to encourage issuance of ILS in Hong Kong. (FSTB)

Incorporated the Financial Services Development Council as a company limited by guarantee with effect from September 2018 and supported by Government subvention to strengthen its capacity. (FSTB) Launched a new listing regime since April 2018 for pre-revenue/pre-profit biotech issuers; issuers from emerging and innovative sectors with weighted voting rights structures; and qualifying issuers seeking secondary listing through a new concessionary route. 58 new economy companies listed under the new regime so far, raising over $550 billion through initial public offerings (IPOs). Became the second largest biotech fund raising centre in the world. (FSTB) Launched the cross-boundary Wealth Management Connect in September 2021 to leverage the opportunities in the GBA development. (FSTB) Included pre-revenue/pre-profit biotechnology companies listed in Hong Kong under the new listing regime as eligible securities under the Stock Connect since 28 December 2020. Included companies listed on Mainland's Sci-Tech Innovation Board (STAR Market) as eligible securities under the Northbound Trading of Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect since 1 February 2021. (FSTB) Enacted legislation in June 2021 to fully implement an uncertificated securities market regime. (FSTB) Commenced legislation in March 2021 to offer half-rate profits tax concessions for marine insurance and specialty insurance, enable the setting up of special purpose vehicles for issuance of ILS, expand the scope of insurable risks by captive insurers in Hong Kong as well as enhance the legal framework for the regulation of insurance groups. (FSTB) Strived to enhance mutual access of insurance markets through early establishment of after-sales service centres in the GBA and early implementation of “unilateral recognition” policy on motor insurance for Hong Kong vehicles entering Guangdong through the HZMB control point. (FSTB)

Issued US$1 billion and US$2.5 billion green bonds under the Government Green Bond Programme in May 2019 and February 2021 respectively. (FSTB) Established the Green and Sustainable Finance Cross-Agency Steering Group and promulgated a strategic plan to elevate our position as a regional green and sustainable finance hub. Rolled out a new Green and Sustainable Finance Grant Scheme in May 2021. US$12 billion of green debt arranged and issued in 2020, and cumulative green debt issuance amounted to US$38 billion by end-2020. (FSTB) Launched the Faster Payment System in September 2018 and recorded 8.9 million registrations and average daily real-time transactions of 679 000 (worth $5.2 billion and RMB 147 million) in August 2021. (FSTB) Granted banking licences to eight virtual banks in 2019, all of which officially launched in 2020 and recorded over 840 000 opened accounts, with over $21 billion of deposits as at June 2021. (FSTB) Launched over 800 open APIs by over 20 retail banks under the Open API Framework. Recorded more than 1 000 registrations from third-party service providers to access banks' open APIs. Participating banks are expected to implement Phase III and IV API functions progressively from December 2021. (FSTB) Completed the first phase of the PoC study on connecting the blockchain-based eTradeConnect with the People's Bank of China Trade Finance Platform and Phase II is underway. As at June 2021, conducted cross-border trade finance transactions amounting to $26 million via the platforms. (FSTB) Launched the Fintech PoC Subsidy Scheme in February 2021. 93 applications approved with subsidy amount of $10 million. (FSTB) Authorised four virtual insurers under the Fast Track, of which two carry on life insurance business and two carry on non-life insurance business. (FSTB) Granted the first licence under the voluntary, opt-in licensing regime for securities-type virtual asset trading platforms in December 2020. (FSTB) Took forward the development of the eMPF Platform to improve operational efficiency and create room for fee reduction. Expected to be fully functional in 2025 the earliest. (FSTB)

Implemented the new auditor regulatory regime on 1 October 2019 to enhance the independence of the local regulatory regime for listed entity auditors and to align with international standards. (FSTB) Commenced operation of the new regulatory regime for insurance intermediaries on 23 September 2019, replacing the self-regulatory regime. (FSTB) Commenced operation of the Banking (Amendment) Ordinance 2018, empowering the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) to prescribe rules on recovery planning and financial exposure limits for authorised institutions. (FSTB) Commenced operation of the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorist Financing (Financial Institutions) (Amendment) Ordinance 2018 and the Companies (Amendment) Ordinance 2018 on 1 March 2018, ensuring that the regulatory framework is in line with the international standards set by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). (FSTB) Became the first jurisdiction in the Asia-Pacific region to achieve an overall compliant result in the fourth round of mutual evaluation by the FATF. (FSTB) Launched a public consultation in November 2020 on legislative proposals to regulate virtual asset services providers and dealers in precious metals and stones, in order to further enhance the anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing regime. (FSTB)

Appointed three private equity firms as the first batch of general partners to make strategic investments for the Hong Kong Growth Portfolio. (FSTB)

Launched tourism initiatives and measures along the four development strategies in the Development Blueprint for Hong Kong's Tourism Industry promulgated in October 2017. (CEDB) Established the Travel Industry Authority in end-2019 to enhance the professionalism and service quality through a statutory licensing and regulatory system. (CEDB) Formulated the future strategy for Ocean Park, and secured funding approval for the relevant financial arrangements in March 2021. Enacted the Ocean Park Corporation (Amendment) Ordinance 2021 in August 2021. (CEDB) Launched a study by Hong Kong Tourism Board on the future global travel trends and needs to formulate new positioning proposal for Hong Kong. (CEDB)

Provided a dedicated funding of $238 million since 2018-19 to support the Competition Commission's litigation work. (CEDB)

Reached out to interlocutors through different channels, and organised over 30 webinars by overseas ETOs in the past year for the Chief Executive and principal officials to promote Hong Kong's unique advantage under “One Country, Two Systems” and its role as a gateway to enter the GBA. (CEDB) Co-ordinated through the HKTDC the participation of Hong Kong enterprises in the China International Import Expo since 2018. The number of participating Hong Kong enterprises increased from about 160 in the first year to about 240 in the third year. (CEDB) Signed the MoU on Deepening HKSAR and Guangdong Economic Co-operation to Create Opportunities arising from the “Outline of the 14th Five-Year Plan for National Economic and Social Development of the People's Republic of China and the Long-Range Objectives Through the Year 2035” and Dual Circulation Strategy in May 2021. (CEDB) Organised online exhibitions by the HKTDC to connect buyers and suppliers worldwide and help Hong Kong enterprises explore business opportunities and develop overseas markets. Actively developed digital platforms to enhance its capability to organise online activities and provide SME services. (CEDB) Attracted more overseas and Mainland companies to set up offices in Hong Kong, with the total number increased from 8 225 in 2017 to 9 049 in 2021 and the number of start-ups rose from 2 229 in 2017 to 3 755 in 2021. (CEDB) Launched Trade Single Window Phase 1, a one-stop electronic platform for lodging import and export trade documents with the Government for cargo clearance since late 2018. (CEDB)

Launched the new 90% and Special 100% Guarantee Products under the SME Financing Guarantee Scheme (SFGS) in December 2019 and April 2020 respectively. Introduced enhancement measures and increased total government commitment under the SFGS to $183 billion. From July 2017 to end-August 2021, approved loans of $120 billion, benefiting over 34 000 enterprises involving over 429 000 employees. (CEDB) Injected $5 billion and $2 billion respectively into the Dedicated Fund on Branding, Upgrading and Domestic Sales (BUD Fund) and SME Export Marketing Fund (EMF), and introduced enhancements since 2018. From July 2017 to end-August 2021, approved over $1.6 billion grant under BUD Fund, benefiting over 2 300 enterprises and 26 300 employees; and over $970 million under EMF, benefiting over 13 600 enterprises and 100 000 employees. (CEDB) Consolidated the services of four SME centres and introduced “four-in-one” integrated services in October 2019 and set up the SME ReachOut service team. Handled over 120 000 enquiries as at end-August 2021. (CEDB) Introduced business support measures by the Hong Kong Export Credit Insurance Corporation (HKECIC); introduced the “100% Credit Limit Top-Up Scheme” in June 2020 and extended twice to run until 31 December 2021. As at end-August 2021, uplifted 10 700 credit limits under the Scheme, involving additional coverage of $13.5 billion of credit limits for over 1 600 policyholders. Covered a cumulative amount of $11.5 billion of shipments. (CEDB) Updated the online procurement plans of Government departments more frequently since October 2020 to encourage enterprises to participate in tendering. (FSTB)

Continued to implement the Professional Services Advancement Support Scheme (PASS). As at end-August 2021, approved 75 projects with grant totalling $54 million. (CEDB) Set aside $50 million under PASS in 2021 to subsidise major professional bodies' participation in relevant activities organised by the Government, HKTDC and overseas ETOs to encourage them to step up promotion of Hong Kong's competitive edges and professional services to the GBA and overseas after the pandemic has stabilised. (CEDB)

Proceeded to expand convention and exhibition facilities, including the redevelopment of the three government towers in Wan Chai North and the Kong Wan Fire Station and the construction of phase two of the AsiaWorld-Expo. (CEDB)

Established the Mediation Mechanism for Investment Disputes under CEPA. Announced the lists of designated mediation institutions and mediators in 2018. Published mediation rules adopted by designated mediation institutions and mediators in Hong Kong. Extended the designation of all 43 Hong Kong mediators under the Mediation Mechanism for two years up to 2022. (DoJ) Signed with the Mainland the Arrangement on Reciprocal Recognition and Enforcement of Judgments in Civil and Commercial Matters in 2019. Actively taking forward the legislative work to implement the arrangement, with the aim to consult the Legislative Council (LegCo) in the first quarter of 2022. (DoJ) Passed the Mainland Judgments in Matrimonial and Family Cases (Reciprocal Recognition and Enforcement) Ordinance on 5 May 2021. (DoJ) Signed the Record of Meeting on Mutual Recognition of and Assistance to Bankruptcy (Insolvency) Proceedings between the Courts of the Mainland and Hong Kong on 14 May 2021 to establish a new co-operation mechanism in three pilot areas, namely Shanghai, Xiamen and Shenzhen. (DoJ) Signed with the Mainland the Arrangement Concerning Mutual Assistance in Court-ordered Interim Measures in Aid of Arbitral Proceedings. As at 27 July 2021, processed 47 interim measures applications with court orders granted in respect of RMB 10.8 billion worth of assets. (DoJ) Signed with the Supreme People's Court in 2020 the Supplemental Arrangement Concerning Mutual Enforcement of Arbitral Awards between the Mainland and the HKSAR, which has been implemented via the Arbitration (Amendment) Ordinance 2021 on 19 May 2021. (DoJ) Launched the inaugural Hong Kong Legal Week in November 2019 and the 2020 Legal Week virtually to promote legal and dispute resolution services. (DoJ) Endorsed the working proposal of the GBA Mediation Platform for high-level co-operation among the legal departments of Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao to set standard and promote mediation. The GBA Mediation Working Group held its first meeting in August 2021. (DoJ) Implemented further liberalisation measures by Guangdong Province for partnership associations set up between Hong Kong and Mainland law firms in August 2019 and for the rest of the Mainland in June 2020. (DoJ) Secured the Central Government's agreement to allow Hong Kong eligible legal practitioners to practise specific areas of Mainland law in the nine Mainland municipalities of the GBA after passing the relevant examination. By November 2020, 655 legal practitioners applied to take the examination. Held the first GBA Examination in Hong Kong on 31 July 2021. (DoJ) With the passage of the related regulations for the Qianhai Shenzhen-Hong Kong Modern Service Industry Co-operation Zone, over 11 000 wholly owned Hong Kong enterprises registered in Qianhai Co-operation Zone are able to choose Hong Kong law as the applicable law for their contracts since October 2020. (DoJ) Signed a tripartite arrangement in July 2021 with the Ministry of Commerce and the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of the State Council for establishing a permanent tripartite communication platform for Mainland enterprises and the Hong Kong legal profession. (DoJ) Stepped up overseas promotion of Hong Kong's international legal and dispute resolution services through co-operation with the Asian Academy of International Law (AAIL) and international organisations, such as the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law, Asian-African Legal Consultative Organization (AALCO), and the Hague Conference on Private International Law. (DoJ) Reached an agreement with the Hague Academy of International Law on organising regular capacity building courses in Hong Kong with the AAIL from 2020. Arranged an online seminar on 7 December 2020 with 150 participants. (DoJ) Completed the preparation for the publication of the Combined DoJ English-Chinese Glossary of Legal Terms and the Combined DoJ Chinese-English Glossary of Legal Terms. Launched the English-Chinese Glossary in September 2021, and will launch the Chinese-English Glossary by end-2021 at the earliest. (DoJ) Launched the Small Claims Mediation Pilot Scheme in 2018. Opened the West Kowloon Mediation Centre in 2018. As at 31 July 2021, received 1 147 cases and handled 1 980 enquiries from Small Claims Tribunal; received 761 applications for mediation with mediation conducted in 494 cases. (DoJ) Examined the Law Reform Commission's recommendations on Enduring Powers of Attorney with regard to personal care and launched a public consultation in 2017. (DoJ) Completed a consultation exercise on the legislative proposals on hearsay evidence in criminal proceedings in 2017. Consulted the Law Society and Bar Association on the latest proposals. (DoJ)

Led Hong Kong, China to opt into the APEC Collaborative Framework for Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) in April 2020. (DoJ) Supported development of procedural rules for eBRAM Centre's ODR platform, including the APEC ODR procedural rules. (DoJ) Signed in May 2021 a MoU with the AAIL on the administration of the Hong Kong Legal Cloud Fund for subsidising local legal and dispute resolution professionals to subscribe to the Legal Cloud services. (DoJ) Established a COVID-19 ODR Scheme, with eBRAM Centre to provide ODR services for COVID-19 related disputes. Launched the COVID-19 ODR Scheme in June 2020 with around 160 mediators and arbitrators enlisted. (DoJ)

Released 5G spectrum to the market in 2019 and 2021 respectively and facilitated the launch of 5G commercial services in 2020 and network coverage of over 90% in 2021. (CEDB) Opened up over 1 000 government premises for mobile service operators to install base stations. (CEDB) Provided subsidies to extend the newly built fibre-based networks to 235 villages in remote areas in phases from 2021, benefiting some 110 000 villagers. (CEDB) Planned to roll out land lot in Chung Hom Kok Teleport for tender in 2021 for constructing external telecommunications facilities to further enhance the overall capacity and diversion capability. (CEDB) Granted land in the Chung Hom Kok Teleport to one satellite operator in 2020 for relocation of its satellite earth station in Tai Po to resolve the problems of using the 3.5 GHz band in the restriction zone. (CEDB) Approved 108 applications with a funding of $48 million for the Subsidy Scheme for Encouraging Early Deployment of 5G. (CEDB) Implemented full digital TV broadcast in December 2020 and provided digital TV sets or set-top boxes to more than 29 000 needy households under the “Community Care Fund Digital TV Assistance Programme”. (CEDB) Commenced the Broadcasting and Telecommunications Legislation (Amendment) Ordinance 2020 on 5 February 2021 with relaxation measures to facilitate long-term development of the broadcasting sector. (CEDB) Completed the public consultation on the review of telecommunications regulatory framework in 2019 and introduced the Telecommunications (Amendment) Bill 2021 in July 2021 for streamlining the telecommunications regulatory and licensing procedures. (CEDB) Enacted the Telecommunications (Registration of SIM Cards) Regulation to implement the Real-name Registration Programme for SIM Cards with the Regulation commenced on 1 September 2021. (CEDB)

Injected a total of another $2 billion into the CreateSmart Initiative (CSI) in May 2018 and April 2021 to promote development of the design sector and other non-film creative industries. Since then, CSI committed around $1,016 million as at end-August 2021; created 9 560 jobs, benefited 6 150 SMEs and provided 25 200 nurturing opportunities as at end-June 2021. (CEDB) Set aside around $470 million for the Hong Kong Design Centre (HKDC) to implement initiatives from April 2019, including annual flagship projects and incubation programmes etc., to reinforce Hong Kong's status as a city of design excellence in Asia. (CEDB) Promoted design thinking within the Government, including training to about 7 000 civil servants in the past four years, and promulgation of guidelines in April 2019 to encourage applying design thinking in procurement. (CEDB) Supported government departments and non-profit making organisations, through CSI, to apply design thinking to enhance the quality of public services and facilities. (CEDB) Provided funding support for the HKDC to organise the “Design Spectrum” programme at No. 7 Mallory Street in Wan Chai to promote design and design thinking. Phase 1 of the programme was held between July 2019 and July 2020, drawing over 11 000 visitors to the exhibitions and over 1 300 to participate in design appreciation activities. Completed Phase 2 in end-July 2021. (CEDB) Implemented the Design and Fashion Project in Sham Shui Po. Commenced construction works in early 2019 with expected completion in 2023-24. (CEDB) Injected $1 billion into the Film Development Fund (FDF) in May 2019 to promote development of the local film industry. Since then and up to end-August 2021, FDF supported more than 20 local film productions and over 40 other film-related projects, nurtured 17 budding directors, involving around $255 million. (CEDB) Secured support from relevant Central authorities in April 2019 to implement five measures to facilitate the entry of Hong Kong's film industry into the Mainland market. (CEDB) Implemented five major measures under the FDF, including the Directors' Succession Scheme, relaxation of the Film Production Financing Scheme, the Scriptwriting Incubation Programme, sponsoring free short-term advanced professional training courses, and enhancement to the First Feature Film Initiative, involving around $260 million. The training course benefited some 2 200 practitioners. The other four measures aim to support around 25 local film productions, incubate 25 scripts and benefit at least thousands of practitioners. (CEDB)

Implemented measures to enhance Hong Kong's intellectual property (IP) regime and promote its development into a regional IP trading centre. Major measures include: launching the “Original Grant Patent” (OGP) system in December 2019. As at end-August 2021, received 471 applications; enacting the Trade Marks (Amendment) Ordinance 2020 and the Copyright (Amendment) Ordinance 2020 in June 2020 to provide the legal basis for the application of the Protocol Relating to the Madrid Agreement Concerning the International Registration of Marks in Hong Kong; and to meet the requirements under the Marrakesh Treaty to Facilitate Access to Published Works for Persons Who are Blind, Visually Impaired, or Otherwise Print Disabled, respectively; and implementing promotional, educational and external collaboration activities to enhance local enterprises' IP manpower capacity, and to promote use of Hong Kong's IP professional services. (CEDB)

Approved over $170 billion works-related funding by the Finance Committee (FC) of the LegCo in 2019-20. In 2020-21, the funding approved by the FC reached a record high of $220 billion. (DEVB) Implemented “Construction 2.0” and led the industry to make changes by advocating “Innovation”, “Professionalisation” and “Revitalisation”. Promoted I&T application, including digital works supervision systems, building information modelling (BIM) and established the $1 billion Construction Innovation and Technology Fund (CITF) in October 2018. So far, CITF subsidised over 780 enterprises for adoption of innovative construction technologies, and about 11 000 training places, with more than $510 million approved. Required public works projects to adopt BIM technology from January 2018. (DEVB) Established the Centre of Excellence for Major Project Leaders to provide high-level training programmes. Collaborated with counterparts in the Mainland, Australia, Singapore and the UK and entered into MoUs with Singapore and the UK. (DEVB) Required capital works contracts with estimates exceeding $300 million to adopt digital works supervision system from April 2020. (DEVB) Opened the Modular Integrated Construction (MiC) Display Centre in November 2018. (DEVB) Required designated government buildings in capital works projects to adopt MiC from April 2020. Together with the projects of Hong Kong Housing Society, Urban Renewal Authority and private developers, more than 60 projects have adopted MiC. (DEVB) Completed the first batch of MiC pilot projects, including InnoCell at HKSTPC and Disciplined Services Quarters at Pak Shing Kok in October 2020 and February 2021 respectively. The adoption of MiC has shortened the construction period by 30% to 50% and reduced construction cost by around 10%. (DEVB) Set up a pre-acceptance mechanism for MiC systems and granted a 6% concession of the floor area constructed by MiC for new buildings. (DEVB) Obtained $214 million for developing the Electronic Submission Hub to process plans, documents and applications under the Buildings Ordinance which will be implemented in phases from the first quarter of 2022. (DEVB) Commenced trial operation of an automated system for concrete cube testing. (DEVB) Offered quality training to trainees of the Hong Kong Institute of Construction since 2018. Accredited its Certificate in Construction Programmes and Diploma in Construction Programmes under the Qualification Framework by the Hong Kong Council for Accreditation of Academic and Vocational Qualifications. About 60 000 participants on average completed its programmes every year. (DEVB) Allocated $200 million in May 2020 to strengthen construction manpower training in trades of keen demand to upskill workers and attract young people. Benefited about 1 400 trainees so far. (DEVB) Established a new registration system in collaboration with the Mainland Authorities that enables architectural and engineering related consultant firms on the HKSAR Government's approved lists and related registered professionals to provide professional services in the GBA. (DEVB) Waived the registration and renewal fees for registered workers by the Construction Industry Council for three consecutive years since October 2019 to support the construction industry, benefiting a total of about 350 000 workers with $29 million involved. (DEVB)

Supported Hong Kong fishermen to participate in deep-sea mariculture in the GBA through signing a co-operation agreement with the Guangdong Provincial Government in 2020, and provided assistance under the Sustainable Fisheries Development Fund (SFDF) in 2021. The first project in Huizhou was officially launched in the first half of 2021, and a harvest is expected by end-2021. (FHB) Set up a demonstration farm in the Tung Lung Chau Fish Culture Zone to showcase fish culture technology which allows real-time monitoring and can endure adverse weather conditions. (FHB) Commenced environmental impact assessment for designating new fish culture zones in end-2019, with expected completion by 2022, and resumed issuance of new marine fish culture licences from early 2020. (FHB) Commenced construction works of first phase of Agri-Park, to be completed in phases from end-2021 to 2023. (FHB) Introduced measures in 2019 and 2020 to remove barriers in making applications for the Sustainable Agricultural Development Fund (SADF) and SFDF. As at September 2021, approved about $100 million under SADF and about $180 million under SFDF. (FHB) Put into effect the relevant legislative amendment to facilitate relocation of chicken farms in July 2020. (FHB) Obtained the LegCo's approval in July 2020 to increase the approved commitment of the fishing moratorium loan scheme by $210 million. (FHB)

Participate actively in the affairs of the Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation, including attending the annual Economic Leaders' meeting and various Ministerial meetings, as well as working with other member economies to develop an implementation plan for the Putrajaya Vision 2040 with a view to promoting regional economic co-operation and growth. (CEDB) Participate actively in the work of the World Trade Organization (WTO) in respect of trade liberalisation and improvement of global trade rules, including participation in the Twelfth WTO Ministerial Conference to be held in end-November 2021, as well as participation in on-going negotiations and discussions in various subjects in order to advance Hong Kong's economic and trade interests. (CEDB) Continue to pursue Hong Kong's accession to Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership when this regional pact is open to new members. (CEDB)

Review listing rules of the Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEX) to continue to meet the needs of issuers and investors locally and around the globe, and conduct public consultation on the proposal of establishing a listing regime for special purpose acquisition companies in Hong Kong. (FSTB) Further attract Mainland enterprises that are interested in listing offshore by providing China Concept Stocks with a fund-raising option that faces international investors. Actively consider implementing detailed measures to simplify the listing of issuers having substantial business in the Greater China area. (FSTB) Launch a new platform “FINI” by HKEX to allow market participants and regulatory authorities to process IPOs applications simultaneously on an electronic platform to expedite the IPO process and reduce market risks of investors. (FSTB)

Launch the first Mainland A-share index futures contract product in Hong Kong to provide a risk management tool for offshore investors investing in the A-share market. (FSTB) Launch Southbound Trading under Bond Connect with the successful experiences of Northbound Trading to provide Mainland institutional investors a convenient channel in Hong Kong to flexibly allocate bond assets outside the territory. (FSTB)

Consolidate Hong Kong's status as the largest offshore RMB business hub by promoting two-way RMB flow as well as offshore RMB products and tools. (FSTB) Facilitate the issuance of offshore RMB bonds including bonds to be issued by the Shenzhen Municipal Government. (FSTB) Examine how to increase demand in issuing and trading RMB securities, and conduct feasibility study on concrete suggestions such as allowing stocks eligible for Southbound Trading under Stock Connect to be priced in RMB. (FSTB)

Promote the Green and Sustainable Finance Grant Scheme among market players to encourage issuance of more green and sustainable bonds and loans in Hong Kong. (FSTB) Promote co-operation between the HKEX and the Guangzhou Futures Exchange in areas such as clearing, technology, product development and marketing to drive the development of a green and low-carbon market in the region. (FSTB) Assess the feasibility of developing Hong Kong into a regional carbon trading centre and explore opportunities presented by the carbon emission markets in the Mainland and overseas. (FSTB)

Actively examine with the Mainland the suggestion of establishing a one-stop sandbox network to facilitate financial institutions and technology companies in Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao to test cross-border Fintech applications, thereby promoting cross-border development of Fintech in the GBA. (FSTB)

Examine with the Mandatory Provident Fund Schemes Authority measures to facilitate Mandatory Provident Fund (MPF) investment in government and policy bank bonds issued in the Mainland, thereby tapping into the opportunities in the Mainland bond market and making MPF investment more diversified. (FSTB)

Provide tax concessions to eligible family offices to attract more family offices to establish presence in Hong Kong by amending the Inland Revenue Ordinance (Cap. 112), subject to industry consultation. (FSTB)

Introduce a statutory licensing regime for virtual asset services providers under the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorist Financing Ordinance (Cap. 615) to ensure the healthy and orderly development of the market. (FSTB) Introduce legislative amendments to better safeguard investor interests and further propel the development of the securities market by enhancing the enforcement regime of the Securities and Futures Commission and its regulatory regimes for investment funds. (FSTB) Introduce legislative amendments to implement a risk-based capital regime to align Hong Kong's regulatory standards with international standards. (FSTB) Conduct public consultation on the specific content of a policy holders' protection scheme and prepare the necessary draft bill to better protect policyholders in case an insurance company becomes insolvent. (FSTB)

Promote application of technology and drive the development of “Smart Port” to enhance the competitiveness of the Hong Kong Port. (THB) Facilitate the adoption of sustainable shipping initiatives by the maritime industry including the latest requirements implemented by the International Maritime Organisation and the provision of Liquefied Natural Gas bunkering for ocean-going vessels. (THB)

Introduce tax concessions to attract more shipping agents, shipbrokers and ship managers of the maritime industry to establish presence and conduct shipping business in Hong Kong. (THB) Set up regional desk services of the Hong Kong Shipping Registry in San Francisco, Tokyo and Toronto by 2022. (THB)

Regulate drink and drug boating by introducing compulsory tests for alcohol and drug to further improve marine safety. (THB)

Work in collaboration with Shenzhen to jointly develop the “GBA on the Rail” through the “Task Force for Hong Kong-Shenzhen Co-operation on Cross-Boundary Railway Infrastructure” (Task Force) established by the two governments. The Task Force will explore the enhancement of transport connection to boundary control points between Hong Kong and Shenzhen, and has embarked on the study on the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Western Rail Link connecting Hung Shui Kiu and Qianhai. (THB) Work in collaboration with Shenzhen to proactively study the extension of the “Quota-free scheme for Hong Kong private cars travelling to Guangdong via the HZMB” to a Hong Kong/Shenzhen land boundary control point such that Hong Kong private cars can travel to both the eastern and western parts of Guangdong without quota. (THB) Explore with Shenzhen the further development of cross-boundary commercial helicopter services in the GBA. (THB)

Strengthen, by leveraging the opening of the Dubai ETO and its Investment Promotion Unit, economic and trade ties with the Middle East, including seeking to forge FTAs and IAs, and attracting inward investment and business presence from the region. (CEDB) Step up collaboration between Invest Hong Kong and relevant Mainland agencies to attract overseas companies to invest in the Mainland via Hong Kong, and to encourage Mainland enterprises to make good use of Hong Kong to go global. (CEDB) Make preparation for the resumption of overseas visits to open up B&R opportunities for Hong Kong enterprises and professional services when circumstances permit. (CEDB) Seek to introduce more liberalisation measures under the CEPA framework, in particular allowing Hong Kong enterprises and professionals to enjoy greater preferential access over other foreign investors to the Mainland market in strategic locations such as the GBA and Hainan. In this connection, Qianhai with its enlarged jurisdiction will be a priority. (CEDB)

Expedite the development of a financial data infrastructure entitled “Commercial Data Interchange” by the HKMA for commissioning in 2022 to promote digitalisation of trade finance and enhance export financing support. (FSTB)

Press ahead with the development of Phase 2 and Phase 3 of Trade Single Window to set up a centralised IT platform for one-stop lodging of over 40 business-to-government import and export-related trade documents and roll out Phase 2 in 2023 by batches. Conduct further trade engagement to finalise the implementation details of Phase 3 with a view to submitting funding proposal to the LegCo in 2022-23. (CEDB)

Launch the “Export Credit Guarantee Programme” by the HKECIC on a pilot basis in early 2022, under which the HKECIC will guarantee up to 70% of the export financing of their policyholders at a maximum guarantee limit of $50 million. (CEDB)

Extend the application period of Special 100% Product of the SFGS to end-June 2022. (CEDB) Provide flexible indemnity ratio (60% to 90%) arrangements by HKECIC for policyholders to provide enhanced coverage to exporters under different risk situations. (CEDB) Launch by end-2021 a self-service digital platform “EC Reach 2.0” for SMEs by the HKECIC to streamline the approval procedures and offer fast-track credit limit approval for SME policyholders, and to make it possible for policyholders to set their own credit limits (up to $0.8 million) online without the need for separate approval. (CEDB)

Introduce legislation to give effect to the Arrangement on Reciprocal Recognition and Enforcement of Judgments in Civil and Commercial Matters by the Courts of the Mainland and of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, which allows reciprocal enforcement of judgments in civil and commercial matters to reduce the need for re-litigation of the same disputes in both places. (DoJ) Strive for further liberalisation measures for wholly owned Hong Kong enterprises in the GBA when entering into civil and commercial contracts to be able to choose Hong Kong law as the applicable law, and choose Hong Kong as the seat of arbitration. (DoJ) Ride on the unique characteristic of “One Country, Two Systems and Three Jurisdictions” in the GBA and explore possible study on the interface of laws in the GBA (for example, in IP and e-commerce matters) with a view to devising mutually recognised standards and mechanisms in protecting business interests, thereby opening up vast business opportunities. (DoJ) Pursue with international legal and dispute resolution institutes, including the AALCO the feasibility of establishing an arbitration centre in Hong Kong. (DoJ)

Make full use of the Joint Conference Mechanism of the GBA Legal Departments to strengthen legal exchanges and collaborations and to promote the use of the dispute resolution services of Hong Kong in the GBA. (DoJ) Enhance collaboration with international organisations and other jurisdictions to jointly promote and contribute to the use of Lawtech. (DoJ)

Invite the HKSTPC to explore the second Advanced Manufacturing Centre to enable more high value-added and high-technology manufacturing processes and production lines to set up operations in Hong Kong. (ITB) Reserve the majority of the 88 hectares of land (to be created through the Ma Liu Shui Reclamation and relocation of the Sha Tin Sewage Treatment Works to caverns) for I&T development and commence the related study in the first half of 2022, with construction work of the I&T facilities expected to commence progressively around 2029. (DEVB, ITB) Invite the MTRCL to study the feasibility of a new East Rail Pak Shek Kok Station at or near the site of the current Sports Centre of The Education University of Hong Kong (EdUHK) and to consider how to reprovision the Sports Centre to a site near EdUHK's Tai Po campus; and explore opportunities for unleashing the development potential of the station site and its adjoining land to provide more housing and public facilities including parking spaces and shops. (DEVB, THB, EDB) Commence construction of Cyberport 5 to increase the gross floor area of Cyberport by about 41% within four years, and reserve land in the New Territories West under the North Metropolis Development Strategy for development of a landmark I&T facility with scale comparable to Cyberport to facilitate collaboration with Qianhai. (ITB) Study ways to accelerate the development of the HSITP at the Lok Ma Chau Loop. (ITB) Provide additional 150 hectares of land for I&T use in the San Tin/Lok Ma Chau area (including the surrounding areas of HSITP), which will be consolidated and developed as the San Tin Technopole under the Northern Metropolis Development Strategy. Together with the 87 hectares of land in HSITP, the whole Technopole can provide a total of about 240 hectares of land for I&T use, which in terms of gross floor area, is equivalent to about 16.5 Hong Kong Science Parks. (ITB)

Provide a site of about 4 hectares at Pokfulam for The University of Hong Kong to develop R&D facilities. (ITB, DEVB, EDB) Facilitate expansion of the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) Medical Centre and development of additional facilities through the use of the land adjacent to the CUHK Medical Centre, and take this opportunity to improve the existing public transport arrangements and parking facilities. (ITB, DEVB, THB, FHB, EDB) Support the Hong Kong Polytechnic University in exploring the use of the Hunghom Bay Campus of its self-financing post-secondary arms for its academic and research development. (EDB) Encourage universities to apply for funding for Art Tech research projects through competitive research funding schemes administered by the Research Grants Council. (HAB, EDB)

Set up an InnoLife Healthtech Hub in the HSITP at the Lok Ma Chau Loop to focus on R&D of life and health disciplines. (ITB) Explore collaboration between the HA and HKSTPC on the use of the HA's clinical data for R&D. (ITB, FHB) Set up a dedicated fund to finance local universities or research institutes to participate in national R&D projects. (ITB) Enhance the processing of research ethics applications by the HA's Ethics Committee so that opinions will be given within 60 days upon receiving a valid application to support researchers in conducting clinical trials. (FHB) Expedite the legislative process for registering drugs containing new chemical or biological entity under the Pharmacy and Poisons Regulations. (FHB)

Set up, by HKSTPC, the “GBA InnoAcademy” at its branch in Shenzhen to serve as a resource centre, training hub, exchange platform for talents, and also the “GBA InnoExpress” to nurture start-ups and support I&T enterprises to go global and attract foreign investment. (ITB) Use the Hong Kong Growth Portfolio to make strategic investments supporting Hong Kong's development as an I&T hub, particularly promoting the growth of start-ups. (FSTB)

Commence operation of the Third Runway at the HKIA in 2022, with the Three Runway System targeted for full completion in 2024. (THB) Collaborate with Dongguan and commence trial run of the sea-air intermodal cargo transshipment at HKIA in end-2021. (THB)

Expand the diversity and contents of famous culture brands like Art Basel Hong Kong and Hong Kong Arts Festival and hold large-scale arts markets to attract high-end visitors. (HAB) Showcase the arts and cultural achievements of Hong Kong and promote cultural exchanges through the Hong Kong Week and similar activities. (HAB) Co-operate with Mainland and overseas cultural institutions to solicit the exhibition of their precious cultural relics in Hong Kong and to lend Hong Kong arts and cultural collections for their exhibition. (HAB) Expand further Hong Kong's cultural links with the Mainland and overseas by working in collaboration with Mainland provinces and municipalities, overseas countries as well as cultural organisations to provide more performance opportunities for local arts groups and broaden the audience of Hong Kong's arts and cultural programmes. (HAB)

Launch the second round of tourism initiatives so as to continue to optimise local tourism resources. (CEDB) Complete the outsourcing exercise for the retail, dining, and entertainment zone in the lower park as well as the adventure and wellness zones in the upper park of Ocean Park by the Ocean Park Corporation so as to implement its future strategy. (CEDB)

Further promote and develop the OGP system by building up the substantive examination capability of the Intellectual Property Department. (CEDB) Complete the preparatory work to implement the international registration system under the Protocol Relating to the Madrid Agreement Concerning the International Registration of Marks in Hong Kong. (CEDB) Explore with the Mainland authorities on broadening the scope of application of the Patent Cooperation Treaty to cover the OGP system and extending other major international IP treaties to Hong Kong. (CEDB) Conduct a public consultation exercise on the modernisation of the copyright regime in the light of the digital environment, with the target of introducing a bill to amend the Copyright Ordinance. (CEDB) Explore with the Mainland authorities on facilitation measures for cross-boundary IP protection. (CEDB) Enhance the free IP Consultation Service, IP Manager Scheme PLUS and other training programmes and work with the HKTDC to promote its Asia IP Exchange portal. (CEDB) Collaborate with the Department of Justice and other stakeholders to promote IP arbitration and mediation. (CEDB, DoJ) Work with HKTDC and relevant stakeholders to promote Hong Kong's competitive advantages in IP trading and our IP professional services to Mainland and overseas enterprises through trade missions, seminars, publicity programmes and the annual Business of IP Asia Forum. (CEDB) Intensify collaboration with IP authorities of the Mainland and Macao on IP trading, protection, management and commercialisation in the GBA and beyond; and collaborate with overseas IP offices to promote IP commercialisation. (CEDB) Organise local campaigns to promote IP literacy in society. (CEDB)

Continue to invest in infrastructure to revive the economy. We are expecting the annual public expenditure in capital works to reach the level of $100 billion on average in the next few years, covering land and housing supply, healthcare facilities, education, culture and recreation, water supply, drainage and sewerage aspects which are closely related to people's livelihood. (DEVB) Further promote “Construction 2.0” to enhance the capability of construction industry as well as the performance of public works projects, and bring down Hong Kong's construction cost. (DEVB)

Co-ordinate efforts of works departments for further promoting applied R&D in public works projects. Through the adoption of innovative construction methods, new materials and digital technology, the construction time and cost can be reduced and hence the overall productivity of the construction industry can be uplifted. (DEVB) Further promote the adoption of MiC in private residential, public housing, social welfare and hospital projects. (DEVB) Provide systematic training to mid-tier managers in the Government through the Project Delivery Capability Programme for enhancing their professional skills and project delivery capability, with a view to ensuring more effective use of public resources. (DEVB) Actively drive digitalisation of public works including the adoption of Digital Works Supervision System, BIM, and the development of digital integrated platform. (DEVB)

Commence the preparatory work for the second phase of the Agricultural Park to nurture agro-technology and promote modern farm management. (FHB) Actively promote smart greenhouse technology, and assist the industry in improving efficiency and making good use of production space through the development of precise and automated hydroponic production technology. (FHB) Actively promote modern fish culture technology such as deep-sea mariculture, and introduce new culture species through technical support and training to fishermen. (FHB) Strive to complete the environmental impact assessment for designating new fish culture zones targeted for deep-sea mariculture by 2022. (FHB) Facilitate local fishermen to explore business opportunities in sustainable operations in other places through financial and technical support, in order to open up new prospects for capture fisheries. (FHB) Make good use of the SFDF and SADF to provide funding for the local agriculture and fisheries sector to apply new technology under a pilot scheme, in order to facilitate the transfer of knowledge and promote modernisaton and competitiveness of the industry. (FHB)

“A liveable environment makes Hong Kong people happy, hopeful, confident about the future and have a sense of belonging to Hong Kong.” “Public expectations for a 'liveable city' are rising. In addition to ample land and housing supply, green countryside, a beautiful harbour, a sustainable environment and heritage conservation are indispensable for a quality city.” “We should honour the invaluable legacy of the 'Pearl of the Orient' and create a cosmopolitan city that embraces culture, arts and sports. This will give our citizens a home where they can enjoy physical health and cultural richness.” Hong Kong is a compact and highly connected metropolis famous for its skyscrapers, world-class infrastructure and bustling city life. But it also has many soft appeals, as evidenced by our beautiful countryside and waters, wetlands and biodiversity, interesting islands, rich arts and cultural assets and exciting sports events. To meet the rising expectations of quality living, the current term Government has been striving to make Hong Kong a more charming and liveable place by investing in arts and culture, sports and recreation, environmental conservation, harbourfront enhancement, urban regeneration, smart city and transport infrastructure, etc. Over $60 billion of new resources for sports development; 34% increase in annual provision for arts and culture; and $19 billion for various schemes to promote building safety are some examples reflecting our commitment to improving the quality of life in this city. Our efforts are bearing fruit: Hong Kong elite athletes have achieved unprecedented victory in the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games winning one gold, two silver and three bronze medals; our paralympic athletes have achieved no little, bringing home two silver and three bronze medals; our athletes also captured two gold and five bronze medals at the 14th National Games concluded recently. The West Kowloon Cultural District is becoming a distinguished cultural landmark which will be enriched significantly by the opening of M+ in November 2021 and the Hong Kong Palace Museum by mid-2022. Our citizens are enjoying quality public space characterised by innovation and fun, with the completion of six kilometres of harbourfront promenade of the Victoria Harbour. A cycle track of about 60 kilometres connecting eastern and western New Territories has been fully opened for use since September 2020, and another 2.3 kilometres in Tsuen Wan have been opened in July this year. The mega Kai Tak Sports Park is on schedule for completion in 2023. Building on the experience gained in the Energizing Kowloon East initiative, the Government is now taking forward the “Invigorating Island South” initiative to transform the Southern District into a vibrant hotspot for people to work, live, explore new ideas and have fun. Environmental sustainability can enhance the liveability of a city. The current term Government has announced three blueprints for environmental protection, namely the “Waste Blueprint for Hong Kong 2035”, “Hong Kong Roadmap on Popularisation of Electric Vehicles” and “Clean Air Plan for Hong Kong 2035” to set out waste management strategies, promote electric vehicles and improve air quality respectively. To meet Hong Kong's ambitious target of carbon neutrality before 2050, we will publish the “Hong Kong's Climate Action Plan 2050” in October 2021, outlining for the public a comprehensive strategy to reduce carbon emissions. Hong Kong has a rapidly ageing building stock in large quantity, posing challenges for a liveable city. The current term Government has allocated some $19 billion to implement subsidy schemes and provide technical support to owners to enhance building safety, fire safety, lift safety and repair drainage systems of their aged buildings. Yet for old buildings that are beyond economical repair, redevelopment is a more practical option. We will consider the scope for lowering the compulsory sale threshold to facilitate redevelopment of old buildings. Together with the Urban Renewal Authority, we are also working on innovative implementation tools to speed up redevelopment and incentivise private sector participation focusing on Yau Ma Tei and Mong Kok, which may be applied to other districts.

Central-Hung Hom Ferry Service commenced operation in June 2020 Water Taxi commenced trial services in July 2021

The Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link was commissioned in September 2018. The 56-km long Tuen Ma Line, which is the longest railway line in Hong Kong with 27 stations, was commissioned in June 2021.

(i) Shatin to Central Link (Hung Hom to Admiralty Section), (ii)Northern Link Phase 1, (iii) Tung Chung Line Extension, (iv) Tuen Mun South Extension, (v) Hung Shui Kiu Station and (vi) Northern Link Phase 2 are expected to be commissioned in (i) 2022, (ii) 2027, (iii) 2029, (iv) 2030, (v) 2030 and (vi) 2034 respectively

The 55km long Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge was commissioned in October 2018 The 4.5km long Central-Wan Chai Bypass and Island Eastern Corridor Link was commissioned in February 2019 The 11km long Heung Yuen Wai Highway was commissioned in May 2019 The 9km long Tuen Mun-Chek Lap Kok Link was commissioned in December 2020

The 12.5km long Route 6 is targeted for commissioning in 2026 The 1.8km long Cross Bay Link, Tseung Kwan O is targeted for commissioning in 2022

The 60km long cycle track network between Ma On Shan and Tuen Mun was opened in September 2020 The 2.3km long Tsuen Wan Waterfront Cycle Track Section was opened in July 2021

Sources of Hong Kong Carbon Emissions (2019 figures) Industrial processes, etc. 4% Other end use of fuel (including combustion in commercial, industrial and domestic premises) 5% Carbon Reduction Measures: Adopt low-carbon technologies Waste 7% Transport 18% Carbon Reduction Measures: Electrify transportation, and provide adequate waste-to-energy facilities Electricity generation 66% Carbon Reduction Measures: Achieve net-zero carbon emissions for electricity generation

Major Progress

Compared with the 2017 levels, the general concentrations of respirable suspended particulates (PM10) decreased by 23%, fine suspended particulates (PM2.5) decreased by 32%, sulphur dioxide (SO2) decreased by 38%, and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) decreased by 18% in 2020 Compared with the 2017 levels, the roadside concentrations of respirable suspended particulates (PM10) decreased by 21%, fine suspended particulates (PM2.5) decreased by 27%, sulphur dioxide (SO2) decreased by 29%, and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) decreased by 19% in 2020

Compared with the fuel mix for electricity generation in 2015, the percentage of coal-fired electricity generation decreased from 48% to 24% in 2020, while gas-fired electricity generation increased from 27% to 48%, and nuclear and renewable energy increased from 25% to 28%

Compared with the 2017 levels, emissions of respirable suspended particulates (PM10) and sulphur dioxide (SO2) from vessels in 2019 decreased by 31% and 72% respectively

In 2020, completed phasing out about 80 000 pre-Euro, Euro I, II and III diesel commercial vehicles and began phasing out about 40 000 Euro IV diesel commercial vehicles The Clean Air Plan for Hong Kong 2035 announced in June 2021 sets out the vision of "Healthy Living‧Low-carbon Transformation‧World Class" and the targets of leading Hong Kong to become a more liveable city with air quality on par with major international cities by 2035, and advancing towards the ultimate goal of meeting in full the ultimate targets of the Air Quality Guidelines of the World Health Organization

Milestones of Waste-to-energy/resources Infrastructure in Hong Kong 1. T‧PARK with a treatment capacity of 2 000 tonnes of sewage sludge per day commenced operation in April 2015 2. WEEE‧PARK with a treatment capacity of 30 000 tonnes of regulated waste electrical and electronic equipment annually commenced full operation in March 2018 3. O‧PARK 1 with a treatment capacity of 200 tonnes of food waste per day commenced operation in July 2018 4. Food Waste/Sewage Sludge Anaerobic Co-digestion Trial at Tai Po Sewage Treatment Works with a treatment capacity of 50 tonnes of food waste per day commenced in May 2019 5. Y‧PARK with a treatment capacity of 60 tonnes of yard waste per day commenced operation in June 2021 6. Food Waste/Sewage Sludge Anaerobic Co-digestion Trial at Sha Tin Sewage Treatment Works with a treatment capacity of 50 tonnes of food waste per day is under construction and expected to commence in 2022 7. O‧PARK 2 with a treatment capacity of 300 tonnes of food waste per day is under construction and expected to commence operation in 2023 8. I‧PARK with a treatment capacity of 3 000 tonnes of municipal solid waste (MSW) per day is under construction and expected to commence operation in 2025 9. More waste-to-energy and waste-to-resources facilities are subject to further planning The "Waste Blueprint for Hong Kong 2035" announced in February 2021 advocates the vision of "Waste Reduction‧Resources Circulation‧Zero Landfill". The Blueprint sets out two main targets: the medium-term target is to gradually reduce the per capita municipal solid waste (MSW) disposal by 40 to 45% and increase the recovery rate to about 55% by implementing MSW charging and other measures; and the long-term target is to move away from the reliance on landfills in the long run by developing adequate waste-to-energy/resources facilities.

EV-Charging at Home Subsidy Scheme since its launch in October 2020, the Scheme has received over 490 applications covering more than 105 000 parking spaces, 75% more than the original target Growing Number of Electric Vehicles (EVs) The total number of EVs in Hong Kong has grown from about 7 300 in 2016 to over 18 500 by the end of 2020 The percentage of e-private cars among new private cars sold in Hong Kong was 12.4% in 2020, ranking third among major economies The Hong Kong Roadmap on Popularisation of Electric Vehicles announced in March 2021 sets out the long-term policy objectives and plans to promote the adoption of EVs in Hong Kong. The vision of the Roadmap is "Zero Carbon Emissions‧Clean Air‧Smart City", and the target is to attain zero vehicular emissions by 2050, in order to act in concert with Hong Kong's target to achieve carbon neutrality before 2050.

Number of systems connected to the power companies' grid (Q4 2018 to Q2 2021): Over 9000 Number of applications approved (Q4 2018 to Q2 2021): Over 14 000 Systems already approved could generate over 220 million kWh of electricity each year, meeting the annual electricity demand of over 67 000 households

Smart City Blueprint for Hong Kong 2.0 @ December 2020 with over 130 initiatives in six areas, namely Smart Mobility, Smart Living, Smart Environment, Smart People, Smart Government and Smart Economy Free Wi-Fi Provided over 43 000 Wi-Fi hotspots, covering 212 study rooms and youth service centres, and 24 village premises, etc. Real-time Arrival Information of Franchised Buses Display panels at more than 800 bus stops New Parking Meters About 6 400 commenced operation 12 000 in full operation by mid-2022 “HKeMobility” Mobile App More than 2.6 million downloads, with an average daily hit rate of 80 000 Real-time traffic information and real-time vacancy information of about 12 000 on-street parking spaces, 72 000 parking spaces in car parks Real-time arrival information of about 230 green minibus routes, aiming at covering all routes by end-2022 Faster Payment System About 8.9 million registrations, with an average daily turnover reaching 679 000 real-time transactions involving HK$5.2 billion and RMB 147 million in August 2021 “iAM Smart” Provides more than 150 online government, public and private services Carbon Neutrality before 2050 Carbon intensity in 2019: 35% lower than 2005 Electricity generation: Coal in fuel mix currently below 25%, net-zero carbon emissions before 2050 LED Lighting About 63 000 road lights, 3 000 floodlights and 7 700 fluorescent tubes were replaced Open Data (DATA.GOV.HK) More than 4 800 datasets and 1 800 Application Programming Interfaces

New and Coming Facilities 60-km cycle track network between Ma On Shan and Tuen Mun (opened in September 2020) 2.3-km Tsuen Wan waterfront cycle track section (opened in July 2021) Kai Tak Sports Park (target completion in the second half of 2023) East Kowloon Cultural Centre (open by phases in 2023) Hong Kong Museum of Art (reopened in November 2019) Xiqu Centre and Freespace in West Kowloon Cultural District were opened in January 2019 and June 2019 respectively; M+ Museum, Hong Kong Palace Museum and Lyric Theatre Complex in West Kowloon Cultural District will open in November 2021, mid-2022 and 2024 respectively Major harbourfront projects To-be-revitalised Ocean Park Five-year Plan for Sports and Recreation Facilities Reserved HK$20 billion for 26 projects Approved HK$7.7 billion for 20 projects (including heated swimming pools, outdoor land sports facilities, pre-construction activities of a sports ground and amenity complex) Five-year Programme on Public Play Spaces HK$686 million to provide more than 170 innovative, challenging and interesting public play spaces Sports & Recreation Enhanced Support Elite Athletes Development Fund: Injected HK$6 billion; benefiting around 1 300 athletes/year Arts and Sport Development Fund (Sports Portion): Approved over HK$5 billion for more than 540 sports projects since 2017-18 Major Sports Events Matching Grant Scheme: 9 events (320 000 spectators) held with HK$29 million matching grant Hong Kong Athletes Fund: Injected HK$250 million; over 120 athletes benefited since injection Five-year Development Programme for Team Sports: Provided additional funding for National Sports Associations and direct monthly financial support to Hong Kong team members Post-Tokyo Olympic Games and Paralympic Games measures to enhance elite sports development: Expediting the new building project of the Hong Kong Sports Institute costing HK$990 million Finance jointly with Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust the setting up of a HK$300 million funding scheme to enhance athletes’ performance Strengthening sports development in schools Strengthening support for elite athletes’ dual career development Enhancement of professionalism and developing the sports industry Disability Sports In 2017 Introduced a full-time athlete system Launched the Pilot Scheme for Elite Vote Support System (EVSS); won a record-breaking total of 48 medals in the 2018 Asian Para Games Since 2019 Implemented the enhanced full-time athlete system and EVSS In 2021 A total of six Tier A and three Tier B disability sports; over 100 elite athletes (around 50 full-time) We are proud of Hong Kong athletes!  They have performed brilliantly at the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games and Paralympic Games. Arts & Culture Funding Support Arts and Sport Development Fund (Arts Portion) has provided HK$239 million of funding support to 235 arts projects since 2017-18 Arts and Culture Sector Subsidy Scheme has provided HK$206 million of funding support to over 940 arts groups/projects, 7 900 arts practitioners and freelancers Recurrent funding to support arts & cultural development 2017-18: HK$4,288.5 million 2018-19: HK$4,752.8 million 2019-20: HK$5,142.4 million 2020-21: HK$5,450.5 million 2021-22: HK$5,733.9 million The recurrent funding to support arts & cultural development has increased by 34% over the past five years.

Commissioned the Hong Kong Section of the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link in September 2018, with daily average patronage of about 47 000 before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. (THB) Commissioned the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge in October 2018, with over 80 000 cross-boundary vehicles eligible to travel on it. (THB) Commissioned the Central-Wan Chai Bypass and Island Eastern Corridor Link in February 2019, reducing the journey time between Central and Island Eastern Corridor in North Point to around five minutes. (THB) Commissioned the Tuen Mun-Chek Lap Kok Link in full in December 2020, reducing the journey time between Tuen Mun South and the Hong Kong International Airport by about 20 minutes. (THB) Commissioned the Heung Yuen Wai Highway in May 2019, improving traffic in the North District and providing access to the new Liantang/Heung Yuen Wai Boundary Control Point opened in August 2020. (DEVB) Invited MTR Corporation Limited to proceed with detailed planning and design for the Tung Chung Line Extension, Tuen Mun South Extension, Northern Link and Hung Shui Kiu Station. (THB) Commissioned Tuen Ma Line Phase 1 in February 2020, reducing the journey time between Tai Wai and Diamond Hill stations to nine minutes. Commissioned the remaining phase of Tuen Ma Line in June 2021, reducing the journey time between Hung Hom and Diamond Hill stations to 12 minutes. (THB) Commenced the “Strategic Studies on Railways and Major Roads beyond 2030” in December 2020 to ensure the layout of railway and major road infrastructure will complement or even reserve capacity to meet long-term development needs. (THB) Commenced preparation for the establishment of the Railways Department to strengthen the supervision of railway planning and project delivery as well as regulation of railway safety. (THB)

Disseminated real-time arrival information of all franchised buses, tramways, selected MTR lines and about 230 green minibus routes through “HKeMobility” and/or the Public Sector Information Portal. (THB) Commenced operation of the “Central-Hung Hom” ferry services in June 2020; and launched “water taxi” service on a trial basis in July 2021. (THB) Extended the Special Helping Measures to more outlying island ferry routes from April 2020 to maintain affordable fare level. (THB) Rolled out the Vessel Subsidy Scheme to subsidise the replacement of existing vessels of outlying island routes with greener vessels. (THB) Subsidised Hong Kong Tramways Limited in replacing the tram track at key bends and junctions with new technology to help absorb shock and reduce noise; and reduce the impact on traffic for future replacement works. (THB) Implemented relaxed new requirements on vehicle length and maximum gross weight restriction of light buses in July 2020, and allowed alternative means of emergency exits in light buses from October 2021. (THB) Introduced the low-floor wheelchair accessible public light bus (PLB) trial scheme in January 2018. (THB) Introduced the trial scheme of new long-haul bus services between Yuen Long and Causeway Bay and between Tuen Mun and Wai Chai in July 2021. (THB) Subsidised franchised bus companies to retrofit safety devices on existing buses. Retrofitted all seats in the upper deck of 630 buses with seat belts, and 780 buses with electronic stability control and speed limiting retarder as at early-September 2021. (THB) Subsidised franchised bus companies to install real-time bus arrival information display panels at bus stops. Completed the installation at around 820 bus stops. Will complete installation at about 250 remaining bus stops by end-2021. (THB)

Endorsed 12 land premium waiver applications under the policy of Facilitating Provision of Pedestrian Links by the Private Sector; refined the policy in January 2021 to expedite implementation of pedestrian links for early public enjoyment; construction of the footbridge between Pacific Place and Harcourt Garden to commence in 2021 for completion by end-2024. (DEVB) Pressed ahead with the Universal Accessibility Programme to proactively retrofit barrier-free access facilities (e.g. lifts) at walkways. Introduced the Special Scheme in 2019 to extend the coverage to retrofit lifts at walkways in 39 estates under the Tenants Purchase Scheme, three estates under the Buy or Rent Option Scheme and 98 public rental housing (PRH) estates with non-residential properties divested under the Hong Kong Housing Authority. As at end-August 2021, 172 items were completed, 78 items are under construction, while 159 are/will be undergoing investigation or design works by end-2021. The total expenditure of the programme since its introduction in 2012 is over $5.3 billion. (THB) Promoted “Walk in HK”: completed the first batch of works between Wan Chai and Sheung Wan in June 2020; finalised the overall strategy and extended the coverage of walking route search function under “HKeMobility” to 18 districts in December 2020; commenced local consultation on the projects for provision of cover for walkways connecting to public hospitals starting from the fourth quarter of 2020. With regard to the provision of cover for walkway projects nominated by the District Councils, the first project was completed in February 2020 while 10 projects have commenced construction progressively. The remaining seven projects are under planning and design. (THB) Removed about 290 non-essential traffic signs in Central and Sham Shui Po pilot areas, as well as implemented a low speed limit zone at Wai Chi Street and a level run-in/out at Fuk Wing Street, Sham Shui Po in 2020. (THB)

Launched the non-means tested Public Transport Fare Subsidy Scheme in January 2019, and enhanced the Scheme with effect from 1 January 2020 by raising the subsidy rate to one-third of actual public transport expenses in excess of $400, subject to a maximum of $400 per month. In view of the epidemic, further relaxations made so that subsidy will be pitched at one-third of actual public transport expenses in excess of $200, subject to a maximum of $500 per month until 31 December 2021. Disbursed over $6 billion between January 2019 and August 2021 with 2.3 million beneficiaries on average per month. (THB) Completed the review of the Fare Adjustment Arrangement for Franchised Buses. Starting from January 2019, profits exceeding the rate of return on average net fixed assets of 8.7% shall be shared on a 50:50 basis between the operator and passengers through fare concessions. (THB) Exempted franchised bus operators from paying tolls of government tunnels and roads with effect from 17 February 2019 to relieve fare increase pressure. (THB) Waived the tolls of the new Tuen Mun-Chek Lap Kok Tunnel and the Lantau Link since midnight on 27 December 2020; and waive the tolls of the new Tseung Kwan O-Lam Tin Tunnel and the Tseung Kwan O Tunnel upon commissioning of the former. (THB)

Reviewed and updated the standards on provision of parking spaces and loading/unloading bays in housing developments for both private cars and commercial vehicles. (THB) Continued to take forward short-term and medium-to-long term measures to increase car parking spaces, including designating on-street locations as night-time parking spaces and providing public parking spaces at Government, Institution or Community facilities and public open space projects, etc. For the latter, around 5 100 parking spaces will be provided by batches. (THB) Identified seven suitable sites to take forward the automated parking system projects to provide more parking spaces. (THB)

Installed around 1 200 traffic detectors on major roads and all strategic routes. Disseminated more real-time traffic data via the Public Sector Information Portal progressively. (THB) Installed by phases new on-street parking meters to support multiple payment means and provide real-time parking vacancy information. Installed around 6 400 new meters as at end-September 2021. (THB) Commissioned a pilot real-time adaptive traffic signal system at five road junctions starting from the fourth quarter of 2020 to help optimise the allocation of green times to vehicles and pedestrians. (THB) Installed smart device at 21 locations to extend the pedestrian flashing green time for the elderly and people with mobility difficulties. (THB) Devised a multi-modal Environmentally Friendly Linkage System for Kowloon East. (DEVB) Continued to develop a detailed proposal on the Electronic Road Pricing Pilot Scheme in Central taking into account the advice and suggestions from the International Expert Panel. (THB)

For the 10 piers under the first phase, commenced reconstruction for Pak Kok Pier on Lamma Island in April 2020, and improvement works for Kau Sai Village Pier in Sai Kung and Lai Chi Chong Pier in Tai Po in September 2021, while undertaking the design work of the remaining seven. Commenced the engineering feasibility studies of the second phase covering another 13 public piers progressively from May 2021. (DEVB)

Completed a public engagement exercise by the Council for Sustainable Development, which submitted a report to the Government in November 2020 to facilitate the formulation of long-term decarbonisation strategy. (ENB) Achieved in 2019 (one year earlier than scheduled) the original five-year target of reducing electricity consumption of government buildings by 5%, with a final saving of 7.8% in 2020, thereby reducing carbon emissions by about 77 000 tonnes. (ENB) Moved steadily towards the target of reducing carbon intensity by 65% to 70% by 2030 as set out in the Climate Action Plan 2030+. Hong Kong's carbon intensity in 2019 was about 35% lower than that in the baseline year of 2005. (ENB) Committed in the 2020 Policy Address that Hong Kong would strive to achieve carbon neutrality before 2050. (ENB) Set up a new Steering Committee on Climate Change and Carbon Neutrality under the chairmanship of the Chief Executive to formulate the overall strategy and oversee the co- ordination of various actions. (ENB) Set up in December 2020 a $200 million Green Tech Fund to support research and development projects which contribute to decarbonisation and environmental protection. Approved eight applications, involving about $39 million. (ENB) Established an inter-departmental Carbon Neutrality Task Force in May 2021 to examine new technologies contributing to decarbonisation. (ENB) Reduced the share of coal in the fuel mix for electricity generation from about half in 2015 to less than 25% in 2020. Reduced carbon emissions by more than 7 000 kilotonnes. (ENB) Earmarked $3 billion for the installation of small-scale renewable energy (RE) systems at government premises, with more than $1.5 billion approved for about 130 projects which can generate about 21 million kWh of electricity per annum. The pilot floating photovoltaic (PV) project at Tai Lam Chung Reservoir and a pilot PV project at the South East New Territories Landfill will be commissioned by end-2021. (ENB) Supported the private sector in developing RE, including introducing the Feed-in Tariff (FiT) Scheme, relaxing the restrictions on installing solar energy generation systems in New Territories Exempted Houses, installing solar energy generation systems at 220 premises of schools and non-governmental organisations for free through Solar Harvest, introducing legislative amendments relevant to FiT payments, etc. Systems already approved under the FiT Scheme could generate about 220 million kWh of electricity each year, equivalent to the demand of all households in Mong Kok, Yau Ma Tei and Jordan. (ENB) Implemented energy saving measures, such as raising statutory building energy efficiency standards and developing district cooling systems at the Kai Tak Development, Kwu Tung North New Development Area (NDA) and Tung Chung New Town Extension (East). (ENB) Provided further tax incentive for energy-efficient and RE installations in buildings from 2018-19 onwards, and established the E&M InnoPortal in June 2018 to promote the use of innovation and technology in enhancing energy efficiency and developing RE. More than 130 projects matched through the E&M InnoPortal, with 31 on energy efficiency and RE, are under trial. (ENB) Rolled out measures under “Energy Saving Plan for Hong Kong's Built Environment 2015~2025+” to enhance energy efficiency of buildings in Hong Kong. (ENB)

Earmarked $350 million to carry out a pilot trial of four electric ferries in in-harbour routes in 2023. (ENB) Announced the first ever Hong Kong Roadmap on Popularisation of Electric Vehicles in March 2021 with a view to attaining zero vehicular emissions before 2050. One of the key measures includes no new registration of fuel-propelled private cars in 2035 or earlier. (ENB) Launched the $2 billion “EV-charging at Home Subsidy Scheme” in October 2020 to subsidise installation of electric vehicle charging-enabling infrastructure in existing private residential buildings. Received more than 490 applications involving over 105 000 parking spaces by mid-September 2021. (ENB) Completed the review on the Pilot Green Transport Fund (now renamed as the New Energy Transport Fund) and extended its scope to cover Applications for Trial and Applications for Use. Extended the Fund to cover commercial motor cycles, non-road vehicles and vessels. (ENB) Issued technical guidelines for electric PLBs and the associated charging facilities and commenced preparation for a pilot scheme to subsidise a trial of about 40 electric PLBs and their associated charging facilities. (ENB)

Announced the Clean Air Plan for Hong Kong 2035 in June 2021. (ENB) Reduced general concentrations of four major air pollutants (PM10, PM2.5, SO2 and NO2) by 18% to 38% in the past three years. (ENB) Enhanced regional collaboration in stepping up marine emissions control in the Pearl River Delta region by requiring vessels to use low sulphur fuel with sulphur content not exceeding 0.5% within Hong Kong waters since January 2019. (ENB) Reviewed the emission allowances of power plants and issued the Ninth Technical Memorandum for allocation of emission allowances in 2021 to tighten the emission caps from 2026 and onwards. (ENB) Formulated a policy to adopt green technologies to reduce the emission of air pollutants in the design and procurement of new government vessels. (ENB) Launched a $7.1 billion new scheme in October 2020 to phase out about 40 000 Euro IV diesel commercial vehicles (DCVs) by end-2027 after phasing out about 80 000 pre-Euro IV DCVs under the $11.4 billion ex-gratia payment scheme. (ENB) Tightened the emission standards for newly registered motorcycles to Euro IV in October 2020. (ENB) Tightened the emission requirements for franchised bus low emission zones to Euro V standards in end-2019. (ENB) Completed the trade consultation and launched in the second half of 2021 a two-month public consultation for tightening the content limits of volatile organic compounds of regulated architectural paints. (ENB) Extended the Cleaner Production Partnership Programme to March 2025 with funding of $311 million. Approved $43 million for over 250 applications since then. (ENB)

Unveiled the “Waste Blueprint for Hong Kong 2035” in February 2021 with the vision of “Waste Reduction • Resources Circulation • Zero Landfill”. (ENB) Enacted legislation on municipal solid waste (MSW) charging on 26 August 2021. (ENB) Launched a pilot scheme to collect food waste from commercial and industrial entities and transport it to O • PARK1 for recycling from July 2018; expanded the pilot scheme in 2021 to progressively cover the domestic sector. (ENB) Launched a pilot scheme on waste plastic collection and recycling in Eastern District, Kwun Tong and Sha Tin in January 2020 to provide free collection from non-industrial and non-commercial sources. So far, about 440 housing estates and other premises registered, covering over half of the population in these districts. (ENB) Installed about 300 water dispensers at government venues for public use, with another 200 to be installed by mid-2022; launched a pilot programme to install smart water dispensers in around 100 schools. (ENB) Ceased to provide plastic straws and polyfoam food containers in premises serving mainly government employees in January 2019. (ENB) Implemented the “Plastic-free” School Lunch Pilot Scheme by subsidising around 50 schools to install refrigerators, steam cabinets, dishwashers and disinfection machines. (ENB) Completed the study on the control of disposable plastic tableware in April 2021; completed consultation with the trades, the public and relevant stakeholders on the phased regulation of disposable plastic tableware from July to September 2021. (ENB) Commenced the operation of O • PARK1 and WEEE • PARK in 2018. Treated around 100 000 tonnes of food waste and over 70 000 tonnes of regulated waste electrical and electronic equipment respectively so far. Opened O • PARK1's Visitor Centre to the public since March 2021. (ENB) Awarded the Design-Build-Operate contract of the O • PARK2 in August 2019. O • PARK2 is expected to be commissioned in 2023 with a treatment capacity of 300 tonnes of food waste per day. (ENB) Operated the first “Food Waste/Sewage Sludge Anaerobic Co-digestion” trial at the Tai Po Sewage Treatment Works in May 2019 with a treatment capacity of 50 tonnes of food waste per day; commenced the preparatory work for a trial at the Sha Tin Sewage Treatment Works for commissioning by 2022 with the same treatment capacity. (ENB) Invited tenders in June 2021 for building a pilot plant in EcoPark for producing biochar from yard waste; commenced the operation of yard waste recycling centre, namely Y • PARK, in June 2021 to turn yard waste into different useful materials. (ENB) Invited open tender in April 2021 for the development of a modern pulping facility in EcoPark to turn waste paper into resources; the pulping facility is expected to commence operation by 2024. (ENB) Launched a waste reduction and recycling outreaching service since 2018 to provide on-site support to different types of premises and community organisations for implementing source separation and clean recycling of waste. (ENB) Rolled out “Reduce and Recycle 2.0” Campaign in June 2020 to promote eight types of recyclables, new community recycling network, food waste recycling, etc. (ENB) Provided regular funding starting from 2020-21 to engage non-profit making organisations to set up and operate community recycling facilities in 18 districts. 22 Recycling Stores and over 100 Recycling Spots have commenced operation. (ENB) Completed in March 2020 a consultancy study on the control of personal care and cosmetic products containing microbeads and launched a voluntary scheme in September 2021 to phase out such products through a ”Bye Bye Microbeads Charter” in collaboration with the trade. (ENB) Consulted the public on the introduction of a producer responsibility scheme on plastic beverage containers from February to May 2021, and rolled out a pilot scheme on reverse vending machines in the first quarter of 2021 to collect used plastic beverage containers. (ENB) Passed the new Mercury Control Bill by the Legislative Council (LegCo) in June 2021 with the Mercury Control Ordinance coming into operation on 1 December 2021 to fully implement Hong Kong's obligations under the Minamata Convention on Mercury. (ENB)

Enacted the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants (Amendment) Ordinance 2018, which came into effect in May 2018 to phase out local ivory trade and increase maximum penalties on illegal trade in endangered species. (ENB) Designated the Southwest Lantau Marine Park in April 2020 and prepared for the designation of the proposed South Lantau Marine Park and North Lantau Marine Park. The designation of the three marine parks will increase the total protected sea area by 150% to 8 500 hectares. (ENB) Expanded the Sham Wan Restricted Area on Lamma Island and extended the restricted period since 1 April 2021 to enhance conservation of the breeding ground of green turtles. (ENB) Established a Clean Shorelines Liaison Platform to co-ordinate and promote shorelines cleanup actions, with support provided to over 1 600 activities involving about 20 000 volunteers. (ENB) Implemented the Hong Kong Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan 2016-2021 for conservation of local biodiversity and sustainable development, as well as raising public awareness of nature conservation. (ENB) Established the Countryside Conservation Office in July 2018 and launched the Countryside Conservation Funding Scheme in October 2019, with $140 million approved for carrying out 27 projects. (ENB) Set up an interdepartmental taskforce by the Countryside Conservation Office to review the existing licensing requirements and procedures for relevant guesthouses and catering businesses in countryside. (ENB) Organised programmes to commemorate the 40th anniversary of country parks under the theme of “Country Parks Our Legacy” for public enjoyment and promotion of nature conservation. (ENB) Completed the consultancy study on enhancement of the recreation and education potential of country parks and special areas in 2019, and implemented enhancements such as new viewing platforms and water filling stations. (ENB) Installed artificial intelligence surveillance system at the Pat Heung Fire Lookout to collect and analyse hill fire images to strengthen monitoring of hill fire. (ENB)

Pressed ahead with the ecological civilisation construction in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) in accordance with the strategic policy of the Outline Development Plan for the GBA. (ENB)

Implemented water saving measures, including requiring the use of water efficient products registered under the Water Efficiency Labelling Scheme (WELS) in new plumbing works; prepared legislative amendments for implementing the Mandatory WELS; arranged implementation of Automatic Meter Reading in about 170 new buildings, involving some 50 000 smart water meters; and launched a certificate course in leakage detection in underground water pipes. (DEVB) Updated in August 2019 the Total Water Management Strategy, which adopts a two-pronged approach of containing fresh water demand growth and building resilience in water supply with diversified water resources. (DEVB) Explored measures to deal with the leakage problem at private water mains and conducted the public consultation on a proposal to impose a charge for water loss through the communal service. (DEVB) Implemented measures for reducing fresh water consumption to achieve the target of reducing the per capita fresh water consumption by 10% by 2030, using 2016 as the base year. (DEVB) Implemented asset management and stepped up leakage control measures for public water mains, with a target to reduce the leakage rate from the current 15% to below 10% on or before 2030. (DEVB)

Compiled a professional practice note on application of innovative acoustic window designs in residential developments to effectively reduce traffic noise while maintaining ventilation. Conducted seminars and webinars to promote such measures to over 1 000 professionals. (ENB) Resurfaced 27 local road sections with low noise road surfacing for trial, benefiting 12 000 residents. (ENB)

Implemented the Charter on External Lighting with about 4 800 participants. Appointed a Working Group on External Lighting to review the effectiveness of the Charter and measures. (ENB)

Completed upgrading two existing sewage treatment works and extension of sewerage system to 46 village areas, and rolled out 33 sewerage projects worth $39.6 billion. (ENB) Implemented measures to tackle the odour and aesthetic problem along the coastal areas of Victoria Harbour, including planning of newly designed dry weather flow interceptors, rehabilitation of aged sewers and application of odour-control hydrogel at stormwater outfall locations. (ENB) Maintained the overall compliance rate of Water Quality Objectives for the Victoria Harbour Water Control Zone at 90% or above. (ENB)

Established the dedicated Tree Risk Inspection Squad to strengthen tree audits and site patrol; and hosted the International Urban Forestry Conference in January 2020. (DEVB) Rolled out the Registration Scheme for Tree Management Personnel in December 2020. (DEVB) Launched the Urban Forestry Support Fund under which the Study Sponsorship Scheme and the Trainee Programme were rolled out in July and August 2020 respectively, and launched the “People • Trees • Harmony” promotion campaign. (DEVB) Commenced a three-year study to collect and analyse data from 8 000 tilt sensors to test their effectiveness in identifying trees at risk of collapse in August 2021. (DEVB)

Revitalised the Central Police Station Compound to become Tai Kwun – Centre for Heritage and Arts, which received the Award of Excellence in the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation. (DEVB) Completed 12 projects under the Revitalising Historic Buildings Through Partnership Scheme, attracting over seven million visitors as at August 2021 and receiving five UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation. Took forward Batch VI of the Scheme, with 72 applications received in respect of five historic buildings. (DEVB) Pressed ahead with the Conserving Central initiative with the restoration of the Former French Mission Building substantially completed in end-2020 and the first phase opening of the revitalised Central Market Building in August 2021. (DEVB) Organised “Heritage Vogue • Hollywood Road” street carnival in July 2017 and November 2018, attracting over 56 000 and 76 000 visitors respectively. (DEVB)

Established the Centre of Excellence for Major Project Leaders in July 2019 and delivered the first Major Projects Leadership Programme in August 2019. (DEVB) Signed Memorandum of Understanding with the Infrastructure and Projects Authority of the United Kingdom Government and the Ministry of Finance of the Singapore Government in March 2018 and July 2019 respectively to foster partnership for enhancing cost effectiveness and productivity of the construction industry and uplifting project governance and performance. (DEVB)

Launched “Operation Building Bright 2.0” in 2018 with two funding injections totalling $6 billion to assist owner-occupiers of 5 000 buildings to conduct inspection and repair works. Selected around 2 100 buildings to participate in the scheme as at August 2021. Approved around $143 million for around 430 buildings. (DEVB) Launched “Fire Safety Improvement Works Subsidy Scheme” in 2018 and injected an additional $3.5 billion into the Scheme. Around 3 300 buildings participated in the scheme as at end-August 2021. (SB) Enacted the Fire Safety (Industrial Buildings) Ordinance (Cap. 636), which came into effect on 19 June 2020, to enhance fire safety standards of about 1 100 old industrial buildings (IB). (SB) Extended the permitted uses of the buffer floor in IBs to cover telecommunications exchange centre and computer/data processing centre in 2019. If there is a buffer floor in an IB, the lowest three floors can be changed to non-industrial uses. (DEVB, SB) Launched in July 2020 the Building Maintenance Grant Scheme for Needy Owners. Over 3 000 cases were approved as at August 2021. (DEVB) Launched the $2.5 billion Lift Modernisation Subsidy Scheme in 2019 and subsequently injected an additional $2 billion to increase the number of lifts to be subsidised to about 8 000. Commenced arrangement for modernisation works of about 2 000 lifts as at end-August 2021. (DEVB) Launched the $1 billion Building Drainage System Repair Subsidy Scheme in May 2021. Commenced drainage investigation or repair works for some 100 aged domestic buildings as at August 2021. (DEVB) Deployed new technologies on a pilot basis to regulate signboards. Information of the first batch of lawful signboards will be made available for public inspection on the GeoInfo Map, and the Defective Signboards Diagnostic System will be put into pilot use. (DEVB)

Implemented the Action Plan for Enhancing Drinking Water Safety in September 2017. Progress of various measures: revised the Hong Kong Drinking Water Standards in April 2021, and expanded the scope of the Enhanced Water Quality Monitoring Programme in May 2021 to cover residual chlorine and Escherichia coli; implemented a surveillance programme for General Acceptance products in October 2017; implemented new commissioning requirements for new plumbing works since 2017 to ensure the quality of drinking water; launched the Quality Water Supply Scheme for Buildings – Fresh Water (Management System) in November 2017 to encourage property owners and management agents to implement Water Safety Plan (WSP) for their buildings. Received applications from about 2 600 residential buildings, covering some 774 000 households as at end-August 2021; set up the Drinking Water Safety Unit in November 2018 to oversee the performance of the Water Supplies Department (WSD) in respect of drinking water safety; set up the Drinking Water Safety Advisory Committee in January 2018; and launched the $440 million Water Safety Plan Subsidy Scheme in July 2020 to subsidise private buildings to implement WSP. Received about 240 applications, covering about 580 eligible buildings as at end-August 2021. (DEVB) Completed the review of the Waterworks Ordinance (Cap. 102) and conducted a public consultation, with a view to introducing the amendment bill to the LegCo by end-2022. (DEVB) Launched in December 2020 the Water Suspension Notification System, which will automatically notify the management office of the estates concerned the water suspension arrangement by WSD. Currently, it covers about 70% of the registered consumers. (DEVB)

Promulgated New Codes of Practice and launched new support measures, including the regularised Building Management Dispute Resolution Service, Central Platform on Building Management, Pilot Scheme on Free Outreach Legal Advice Service on Building Management and the regularised Owners' Corporations Advisory Services Scheme, to assist owners in discharging their building management responsibilities. (HAB)

Issued more than 4 300 licences since the commencement of the licensing regime under the Property Management Services Ordinance (Cap. 626) in August 2020 to raise the professional standards of the property management services. The licensing regime will be fully in force after a three-year transitional period, which will benefit the residents and users of more than 40 000 private buildings. (HAB)

Launched the five-year plan to transform more than 170 public play spaces in 2019. 17 projects were launched in 2020-21 with one commenced construction in end-March 2021. 26 projects will be launched in 2021-22. (HAB) Earmarked $6.5 billion to connect the harbourfront promenade and optimise the open space. In the past four years, opened six km of promenade for public use. The goal is to extend the promenade from the current 24 km to 34 km by 2028 and provide open space amounting to about 35 hectares on both sides of Victoria Harbour. Between October 2020 and September 2021, opened 11 harbourfront sites. (DEVB) Completed and fully opened the 60 km long cycle track network in the New Territories from Tuen Mun to Ma On Shan for public use in September 2020. (DEVB) Completed and fully opened the 2.3 km long waterfront cycle track section between Tsuen Wan Riviera Park and Bayview Garden for public use in July 2021. (DEVB) Fostered a “bicycle-friendly” environment in new towns and NDAs and completed the first phase of improvement to cycle tracks and parking facilities at about 100 sites in new towns in mid-2018. (DEVB, THB) Implemented progressively a GreenWay of 13 km in total length for shared use by pedestrians and cyclists in the Kai Tak Development Area, and launched in February 2021 a study on its design and implementation. (DEVB) Continued to carry out investigation study for the revitalisation and improvement works of the Tai Wai Nullah and Fo Tan Nullah as well as detailed design for the revitalisation and improvement works for the Yuen Long Town Centre Nullah. (DEVB)

Enhanced the connectivity, improved the environment and released development potential to expedite the transformation of Kowloon East into the second core business district. Completed more than 20 traffic and pedestrian environment improvement schemes, and provided or enhanced over eight hectares of open spaces and public spaces in Kowloon East since July 2017. (DEVB) Carried out detailed design for a new footbridge across Kwun Tong Road near MTR Kowloon Bay Station Exit A and another footbridge across Wai Yip Street near Siu Yip Street. Continued the investigation and design for the extension and face-lifting of the pedestrian subway network connecting to MTR Ngau Tau Kok Station. (DEVB) Continued the construction of the footbridge near Exit B of MTR Kowloon Bay Station. Commenced investigation and design of a proposed elevated walkway with travellators along Sheung Yee Road. (DEVB) Continued improvement works at Hoi Bun Road Park and its adjacent area, with works at Hoi Bun Road Park completed in June 2021. Continued improvement works at Lam Wah Street Playground and its adjacent area, with the pedestrian walkway between Wang Chiu Road and Wang Kwun Road substantially completed in June 2021. (DEVB) Continued to implement the District Open Space, Sports Centre cum Public Vehicle Park project at Sze Mei Street, San Po Kong including reprovisioning of the Kai Tak East Sports Centre and provision of 300 underground parking spaces. (DEVB) Completed detailed design and selection of play equipment for Kai Tak Runway Park. Commenced works on the zipline and play tower in May 2021. (DEVB) Commenced “Revitalization of Tsui Ping River” project in July 2020 for completion in 2024. (DEVB)

Established the Invigorating Island South Office in February 2021 and started consulting stakeholders and co-ordinating with relevant bureaux and departments to take forward the initiative. A Conceptual Master Plan covering the Wong Chuk Hang, Aberdeen and Ap Lei Chau areas was promulgated in August 2021. (DEVB) Launched a design competition in September 2021 to collect innovative design ideas for creating a Green Link in Wong Chuk Hang. (DEVB) Continued to plan face-lifting of public spaces in the abovementioned areas, together with improvement of the walking environment and connectivity. Related minor works projects have commenced progressively from mid-2021 onwards. (DEVB)

Increased funding for arts and culture by 34% from about $4.28 billion in 2017-18 to about $5.73 billion in 2021-22. (HAB) Set aside $20 billion to improve and develop cultural facilities to consolidate Hong Kong's position as an international cultural metropolis. (HAB) Commenced the pre-construction activities for the Heritage Conservation and Resource Centre and the expansion of Hong Kong Science Museum and Hong Kong Museum of History. (HAB) Took forward pre-construction work for the New Territories East Cultural Centre, which is expected to be completed in 2022. (HAB) Opened the new Earth Science Gallery of the Hong Kong Science Museum and the permanent exhibition on popular culture of the Hong Kong Heritage Museum for public visit. The renewal of permanent exhibitions of the Hong Kong Science Museum and Hong Kong Museum of History is in progress. (HAB) Re-opened the renovated Hong Kong Museum of Art with an increase in total exhibition area by about 40% and increased the number of galleries from 7 to 12. (HAB) Commissioned the Xiqu Centre and Freespace in West Kowloon Cultural District (WKCD). (HAB) Pressed ahead with the M+ and Hong Kong Palace Museum in the WKCD with scheduled commissioning in November 2021 and mid-2022 respectively. The East Kowloon Cultural Centre will be opening by phases in 2023. (HAB) Set up the Task Force on Arts Technology in February 2021 to formulate strategies and measures for the development and promotion of arts technology. Earmarked $100 million from funds and schemes under relevant bureaux with venues being upgraded to provide matching hardware. (HAB) Supported over 1 100 performing arts practitioners to participate in more than 110 performances and cultural exchange activities in seven GBA cities, attracting over 60 000 audience. (HAB) Organised Hong Kong Week in the Mainland and overseas, with the first Hong Kong Week completed in Shanghai in November 2019. Held the second Hong Kong Week in the Mainland in Guangzhou from April to May 2021. (HAB) Launched two rounds of applications for the Community-driven Projects and Partnership Projects under the Intangible Cultural Heritage Funding Scheme. (HAB) Launched the LCSD Edutainment Channel, a one-stop online platform, in December 2020 and together with the 101 Academy, to promote recreation, sports, culture and arts in a more effective manner. (HAB)

Pressed ahead with Kai Tak Sports Park with scheduled completion in the second half of 2023. (HAB) Strengthened funding support for 60 national sports associations (NSAs) by progressively increasing their annual subvention from about $300 million in 2019-20 to over $500 million by 2023-24. (HAB) Established a full-time training system at the Hong Kong Sports Institute to support the development of elite disability sports. (HAB) Launched the Opening up School Facilities for Promotion of Sports Development Scheme in the 2017/18 school year. Organised more than 490 sports programmes with over 12 000 attendances since its launch. (EDB, HAB) Launched the Five-Year Plan for Sports and Recreation Facilities in 2017. Approved 20 projects, providing heated swimming pools, football pitches, tennis courts, basketball courts, etc. for community use. (HAB) Provided extra funding under a five-year programme to Hong Kong representative teams in eight team sports featuring in the Asian Games so as to support long-term training and improve their performance. (HAB) Launched the $500 million “Major Sports Events Matching Grant Scheme” in 2019 to encourage the business and private sector to provide sponsorships to NSAs in hosting more new and high level sports events. Recognised 15 major sports events as “M” Mark events in 2019, including three new “M” Mark events. Given the gradually improving epidemic situation since early 2021, the NSAs are progressively resuming some major sports events, including the 2021 Tissot UCI Track Cycling Nations Cup Hong Kong, China held in May 2021. (HAB) Launched the Territory-wide Physical Fitness Survey for the Community in 2021 to collect updated data on the physical condition of the public, which would facilitate the formulation of appropriate measures in promoting sports and healthy living. (HAB)

Completed five new public columbaria since 2019, providing around 210 000 public niches. (FHB) Completed consultation with nine District Councils on 14 projects (providing around 600 000 public niches) under the district-based columbarium development scheme. (FHB) Launched the Green Burial Central Register in 2019. The number of people who opted for green burial increased to 15.7% of death toll. The Tsang Tsui Garden of Remembrance in Tuen Mun is the latest green burial facility which was commissioned in March 2021. (FHB) Commissioned in 2020 the Skylight Market (previously known as Tin Shui Wai temporary market) that was constructed with Modular Integrated Construction (MiC) technology and has adopted a new management model on a pilot basis. (FHB) Announced the sites selected for the new public markets in Tseung Kwan O and Kwu Tung North NDA in May and November 2020 respectively and conducted district consultation. Preliminary design is underway for the two new markets. (FHB) Obtained funding approval from the LegCo for the overhaul of the Aberdeen Market in March 2021. Works commenced in August 2021 for completion within 2022. (FHB) Commenced construction of the Tung Chung temporary market in August 2021, using the MiC method. (FHB) Implemented in 2019 a guideline on incorporating rodent proofing design in new private buildings and carrying out rodent control work in construction and demolition sites, as well as a similar design guide on government works and buildings. (FHB) Set up a joint working group by Food and Environmental Hygiene Department and Housing Department to formulate and implement more effective rodent prevention and control measures and provide relevant facilities in PRH estates. (FHB) Conducted field trials on thermal imaging cameras with artificial intelligence analytical function since the first half of 2020 to track the locations and time of rodent activities, as well as to assess the effectiveness of anti-rodent operations quantitatively. (FHB) Implemented the Enhanced Public Toilet Refurbishment Programme since 2019-20, with a target of rolling out refurbishment or face-lifting works for about 240 public toilets in five years. Completed the works for 49 public toilets as at August 2021. (FHB) Applied anti-microbial coating at about 270 public toilets with high utilisation rates since August 2020. (FHB) Put on trial a prototype of a smart toilet system at two public toilets since May 2021 for real-time data monitoring and collection of users' views, so as to better utilise resources and enhance public toilet service; and started a project to link up 10 public toilets with the Government Wide IoT Network to collect data on the usage of their facilities in August 2021. (FHB)

Completed the first election of the Veterinary Surgeons Board of Hong Kong in September 2020, and the newly constituted Board came into operation in October 2020. (FHB) Provided funding through the University Grants Committee since the 2019/20 academic year to the Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences at City University of Hong Kong for the city's first ever publicly funded undergraduate programme in veterinary medicine. (EDB) Amended the Road Traffic Ordinance (Cap. 374) in April 2021 to require drivers to stop the vehicle if they hit a cat or dog. The new requirement will come into effect in November 2021. (FHB) Regularised six “Inclusive Parks for Pets” under the trial scheme and provided another 35 “Inclusive Parks for Pets” in various districts starting from February 2021. (HAB)

Develop design standards for pedestrian wayfinding signage system and install new wayfinding signages at suitable locations in the Central and Western District, Sham Shui Po and Tsim Sha Tsui in phases starting from end-2022. (THB) Apply a new comprehensive pedestrian planning framework in planning and design of NDAs where appropriate. (DEVB, THB)

Set out in the “Hong Kong's Climate Action Plan 2050” the targets to achieve net-zero carbon emissions for electricity generation, electrify the transportation, and provide adequate waste-to-energy-facilities before 2050. Conduct five-yearly reviews with a view to reducing total carbon emissions by half before 2035 (as compared to the 2005 level) and achieving carbon neutrality before 2050. (ENB) Take forward mitigation and adaptation measures for tackling climate change with a rough estimate of $240 billion in the next 15 to 20 years. (ENB, DEVB) Set up the Office of Climate Change and Carbon Neutrality to strengthen liaison and co-ordination in relation to the Government's policy initiatives on climate change and carbon neutrality, focusing on the promotion of deep decarbonisation. (ENB) Promote adoption of RE in public and private projects as well as through regional co-operation, with a view to increasing its share in the fuel mix to 7.5–10% by 2035 and to 15% gradually thereafter. (ENB) Explore adoption of zero-carbon new energy for both power generation and transport. (ENB) Improve the energy efficiency of buildings and promote energy-saving style of living with a view to reducing by 2050 the respective electricity consumption of commercial buildings and residential buildings by 30% to 40% and by 20% to 30% (using the operational conditions of 2015 as the comparison basis) and achieve half of the above targets by 2035. (ENB) Accord suitable priority to public works projects that can make significant contribution to achieving the carbon neutrality target before 2050. (FSTB) Consult the relevant trades on progressively phasing down the use of hydrofluorocarbons to combat climate change and fulfill HKSAR's international obligations under the “Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer”, and prepare for the necessary work on legislative amendments. (ENB) Consider internal re-organisation of the Environment Bureau and the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) to strengthen climate change actions, waste reduction, resources recycling and various environment-related tasks. (ENB)

Implement the measures in the “Hong Kong Roadmap on Popularisation of Electric Vehicles” which was announced in early 2021, including cessation of new registration of fuel-propelled private cars including hybrid vehicles in 2035 or earlier, and expanding the electric vehicle charging network. (ENB) Promote the development of electric and new energy public transport and commercial vehicles, including working with franchised bus companies to use hydrogen fuel cell buses on a pilot basis, with a view to formulating a detailed roadmap and timetable for the use of new energy public transport in 2025. (ENB) Prepare for a trial scheme of electric taxis to subsidise the taxi trade to test the operation and business mode. (ENB) Develop a mobile application to facilitate drivers of electric vehicles to identify available public chargers. To expand the coverage of the application, private organisations will also be invited to provide the availability of their chargers on the same platform. (ENB)

Develop a smart air quality monitoring system with the integration of monitoring stations, sensors, the Internet of Things, artificial intelligence, and numerical models so as to provide more detailed district-based air quality information to the public. (ENB) Embark on a new round of review of the Air Quality Objectives to continuously enhance air quality, protect public health and assist in achieving the goal of carbon neutrality. (ENB)

Prepare for the implementation of MSW charging and roll out more community participation programmes and trial projects for different stakeholders to gradually adapt to the mode of waste reduction, recycling and disposal after the implementation of MSW charging. (ENB) Strengthen support for community recycling, increase the number of collection points and enhance the efficiency of services of the community recycling network, and make good use of smart technologies, such as doubling the number of machines from 60 to 120 under the enhanced Reverse Vending Machine Pilot Scheme in 2022 to support recovery of plastic beverage containers, and expanding the use of smart recycling facilities by increasing the number of collection points from a pilot of 4 to 80 to collect different recyclables. (ENB) Expand on a pilot basis the central collection services for waste plastics and food waste to improve territorial coverage and service targets. (ENB) Explore taking over the management of refuse collection points and household refuse collection service by EPD from the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department, and combining the service with the collection and delivery of appropriate recyclables to create synergy. (ENB) Prepare legislation for introducing a new producer responsibility scheme on plastic beverage containers and regulating disposable plastic tableware. (ENB)

Issue toll tags to vehicle owners in mid-2022, with a view to facilitating the implementation of Free-Flow Tolling System at government tolled tunnels and Tsing Sha Control Area progressively starting from end-2022. (THB) Submit a bill in the next term of the LegCo to establish a new regulatory framework for autonomous vehicles to enable wider and more flexible trial and use. (THB) Commission the automated parking system projects in Tsuen Wan and Tai Po in 2021 and 2022 respectively. (THB)

Introduce more smart elements and expand their scope of application in correctional institutions to enhance the effectiveness of institutional management and rehabilitation. (SB) Make use of technologies including unmanned aircraft system in search and rescue operations, and online platform to provide information and educate the public on the use of automated external defibrillator. (SB) Integrate more smart elements into such areas as customs clearance, contraband detection, intelligence gathering and case investigation, and introduce artificial intelligence and big data analytics equipment and systems progressively. (SB) Introduce new means of immigration clearance and visa processing to streamline procedures and reduce waiting time. (SB) Expand the e-Ticketing Pilot Scheme, launch the “self-service kiosk” for lost property on a trial basis, and expand the online service of application for licences and permits. (SB) Use big data to enhance aviation safety, as well as training and operational efficiency. (SB)

Organise arboricultural courses for personnel registered under the Registration Scheme for Tree Management Personnel to continue their professional development and meet the renewal requirements. (DEVB) Launch a webpage to promote public appreciation and knowledge on landscape design features of local green spaces. (DEVB)

Step up urban renewal by devising the implementation details of new planning tools proposed in Urban Renewal Authority (URA)'s District Study for Yau Ma Tei and Mong Kok such as transfer of plot ratio for early implementation in the two districts and where appropriate, to other districts. (DEVB) Invite the URA to commence district planning studies in Tsuen Wan Town Centre and Sham Shui Po with a view to formulating urban renewal plans to guide urban restructuring and promote redevelopment. (DEVB) Review the compulsory sale application threshold for old and dilapidated buildings with a view to expediting urban renewal. (DEVB) Consult the public on legislative amendments to empower the Fire Services Department and the Buildings Department to carry out fire safety improvement works for owners of old composite and domestic buildings who have failed to comply with the requirement of the relevant ordinance, and to recover the related fees from owners afterwards. (DEVB, SB)

Examine the scope for improving the Protection of the Harbour Ordinance (Cap. 531) to facilitate particularly the carrying out of works for improving connectivity or enhancing harbourfront areas for public enjoyment. (DEVB) Progressively open three new promenades, namely the Pierside Precinct (Phase 2), Water Sports and Recreation Precinct (Phase 2) and Revitalised Typhoon Shelter Precinct, from end-2021 to mid-2022, in order to realise the vision to extend the promenade along the Victoria Harbour to 34 km in 2028. In addition, the first promenade section at the Kai Tak former runway implemented as Public Open Space in Private Development is expected to be completed in 2022. (DEVB) Actively implement at more harbourfront sites the open management approach successfully adopted in the “Harbourfront Shared Space” in Western District and Wan Chai. To help members of the public better understand this new management mode, we will step up our promotion and publicity efforts. (DEVB) Adopt water-friendly “harbour steps”, i.e. a fence-free stepped down water edges design at the Water Sports and Recreation Precinct (Phase 2) as well as the Revitalised Typhoon Shelter Precinct to bring people closer to the water and facilitate the organisation of water sports activities at the Water Sports and Recreation Precinct. (DEVB)

Conduct a comprehensive pedestrian environment improvement review on the betterment of walkability and connectivity in Kowloon East and the San Po Kong Business Area to complement the ongoing transformation of Kowloon East into a well-connected and pedestrian-friendly core business district. (DEVB) Carry out a study riding on the theme of “The Spirit of Creation” to review the industrial culture in Kowloon East and the San Po Kong Business Area for branding and promoting the characteristics of the district, as well as inheriting its industrial culture quality and creative spirit by urban design interventions in the process of Kowloon East's transformation into a core business district. (DEVB)

Promulgate Invigorating Island South Conceptual Master Plan 2.0 covering the Wong Chuk Hang, Aberdeen and Ap Lei Chau areas in 2022, after engaging stakeholders and incorporating their comments. Take forward various quick-win measures on enhancing connectivity as well as improving leisure facilities on the waterfront in tandem to bringing early improvements. (DEVB) Commence a study within 2021 to formulate comprehensive proposals for pedestrian environment and traffic improvements to bring vibrancy to the abovementioned areas. (DEVB) Commence construction works on a “Green Link” in Wong Chuk Hang in 2022 to link up MTR Wong Chuk Hang Station and Aberdeen Country Park through a series of attractive sitting-out areas and pedestrian facilities. (DEVB) Take forward the future strategy of the Ocean Park, including identifying partners by the Ocean Park Corporation for the future operation of the Park, and commencing technical studies for the pier projects at Deep Water Bay and Tai Shue Wan in 2022, while examining the feasibility of providing temporary landing facilities prior to the completion of the pier projects. (CEDB) Award the contract to design, construct and operate a water sports complex at the rehabilitated Shek O Quarry Site for the general public in the first quarter of 2022, including providing windsurfing facilities for elite training for the exclusive use of the Hong Kong Sports Institute. The water sports complex is expected to be in full operation in about five years. (PICO/CSO, HAB) Formulate proposals for the revitalisation of Staunton Creek Nullah into a river with environmental and landscape upgrading, integrating with adjoining public spaces to create a more pleasant walking environment. (DEVB) Study the technical feasibility of redevelopment and consolidation of the existing recreation ground, sports ground, sports centre and swimming pool facilities in Wong Chuk Hang, incorporating public vehicle park and other facilities to promote “single site, multiple use”. (DEVB, HAB) Formulate preliminary proposals for a planned open space site adjoining Ap Lei Chau Park to provide more leisure facilities for public enjoyment and create a more vibrant waterfront. (DEVB) Commence an investigation and design study on the expansion of Aberdeen Typhoon Shelter in 2022 to provide more vessel berthing area. (DEVB)

Develop an accurate 3D digital underground utilities database with a view to facilitating the construction industry to plan and conduct the underground works efficiently and reducing road closure time resulting from the excavation works, thereby benefiting the community as a whole. The database is expected to be progressively established in 2023. (DEVB)

Adopt innovative technologies proactively for waterworks management and maintenance. Measures include developing “digital twins” of major water treatment works and appropriate water supply networks for real-time monitoring and scenario simulation to enhance operation performance and reliability and exploring application of robotics, artificial intelligence, etc. for inspection and maintenance of waterworks. (DEVB) Develop electronic platforms to facilitate processing of service requests from the public and water supply applications from the trade, and adopt more innovative technologies such as artificial intelligence and smart data analytics in further improving customer service. (DEVB)

Set up an Activity Centre for the Promotion of Chinese History and Culture under the Leisure and Cultural Services Department and organise activities through the artefacts collected locally by the Hong Kong Museum of History to enhance the public's knowledge of Hong Kong's past in the context of Chinese history and traditional culture. The Centre will also serve as an alternative extra-curricular learning platform for students to nurture their interest in research on Chinese history and culture as well as their manifestation in Hong Kong, and related conservation work. (HAB)

Expedite the construction of the new facilities building of the Hong Kong Sports Institute for completion in mid-2024 and finance jointly with the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust the setting up of a $300 million funding scheme to enhance athletes' performance through research in sports science and sports medicine, and improvement of athletes' gear. (HAB) Allocate more resources for expanding the Retired Athletes Transformation Programme. The target is to double the number of retired athletes, currently around 70, joining the Programme within five years, and provide retired athletes with more opportunities for career transformation. (HAB)

Explore ways to improve physical fitness of students and enhance their participation in physical activities through the school curriculum and extra-curricular activities, so as to lay a good foundation for students in sports and healthy lifestyle from an early age, and provide them with more opportunities to take part in different kinds of sports activities and competitions. (HAB, EDB)

Explore ways to encourage enhanced professionalism in sports, raise the sports standard and enhance participation. A working group will be formed to discuss with the business and sports sectors on development of the sports industry in Hong Kong and the relevant manpower needs. (HAB)

Host the 15th National Games in 2025 with Guangdong and Macao and work closely with relevant ministries of the Central Government, the Guangdong Provincial Government and the Macao SAR Government on preparatory work and follow the Central Authorities' requirement of “simple, safe and wonderful” in conducting the Games. (HAB)

Promote Hong Kong's image as an international sports events capital whilst putting in place “safety bubble” with all necessary epidemic prevention measures. (HAB)

Enrich the Edutainment Channel by extending the Sports 101 series to cover most common sports as well as new sports after the successful launch of 17 episodes. The new episodes will cover at least 40 more sports. Besides, the Channel will include Events' Highlights of the Tokyo Olympic Games 2020. (HAB)

Complete within 2022 an overhaul of the Aberdeen Market under the Market Modernisation Programme to improve the operating and shopping environment of the market. (FHB) Conduct a further technical feasibility study for the commercial building development project at Tung Chung Town Centre Area 6 (including the new permanent market portion) to ensure that the development project will not affect the safe operation of the MTR. In the meantime, commission a temporary market in Tung Chung by end-2022. (FHB) Seek funding approval for constructing a permanent market in Tin Shui Wai from the LegCo in 2022 with a view to completing the construction in the first half of 2027. (FHB) Conduct preliminary planning for new market projects in Tung Chung New Town Extension and Hung Shui Kiu/Ha Tsuen NDA. (FHB)

Review existing food safety legislation relating to veterinary drug residues to enhance local food safety and further protect public health through revising relevant stipulations and regularly updating individual food safety standards. (FHB) Review the existing regulatory arrangement on composition, and nutrition and health claims for formula products for infants and young children with reference to the latest international development to formulate legislative proposals with a view to further protecting the health of infants and young children and supporting breastfeeding. (FHB)

Commence full operation of the Government Flying Service (GFS) Kai Tak Division in the fourth quarter of 2021 to provide emergency services to the public round the clock. Being located in the urban area, a 10-minute flight distance from the Kai Tak Division would cover most of the search and rescue hotspots and thus enhancing the efficiency of emergency services. (SB) Set up a Flight Simulator Training Centre at the GFS Headquarters, which is expected to commence operation in the fourth quarter of 2022, to enhance the training efficiency and technical competency of GFS helicopter pilots. (SB) Use new equipment and corresponding computer analysis software, including the operation and application of large-scale unmanned aircraft systems with heat detectors by the Fire Services Department to enhance the efficiency of search and rescue operations in the countryside. (SB) Explore a mobile application equipped with the global positioning system to help frontline rescue personnel record and track their search routes in real time by the Civil Aid Service. (SB) Use virtual reality training system to simulate Hong Kong's mountainous terrain and computer simulation medical training device to simulate the conditions of the injured patients and improve the handling capacity of emergency pre-hospital care by GFS. (SB)

Enhance public education and maintain close liaison with the relevant trades to facilitate the community to adapt to a new regulatory regime under the amended Dangerous Goods Ordinance (Cap. 295) and its revamped subsidiary legislation which will come into operation in the first quarter of 2022. (SB)

Amend the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Ordinance (Cap. 169) to enhance animal welfare by introducing a positive duty of care to animals, enhance offences against cruelty and strengthen enforcement powers. (FHB) Provide over 60 additional “Inclusive Parks for Pets” in 18 districts in 2022 after consultation with local community, making a total of more than 100 such parks across the territory with enhanced ancillary facilities. (HAB)

“My vision for education is to ensure that our children in Hong Kong will grow up to be persons with a sense of national identity and a love for our nation, and to become honest and sincere persons with a good character and a sense of responsibility towards society. On the Government level, I firmly believe that talent is the most important element in the future development of Hong Kong and that education is the key to nurturing talent. With this in mind, I would like to say that expenditure on education is the most meaningful investment of the Government for the future. But the role of Government in education is not only confined to the provision of resources. From the academic structure to the curriculum, and from teacher training to student assessment, Government has a vital and indispensable role to play.” The current-term Government has boosted recurrent education spending by 26% in the 5 years between 2017-18 and 2021-22. The additional money has benefited the education system at all levels, from kindergarten (KG) to senior secondary and post-secondary education. We believe in early childhood education. Our policy is therefore to make highly affordable and good quality KG education accessible to all our children, irrespective of their family background. Under the kindergarten education scheme implemented since the 2017/18 school year, as many as 90% of the half-day KGs joining the scheme are providing free programmes. Children have varied needs and we believe in early intervention. The highly effective On-site Pre-school Rehabilitation Services programme was regularised in October 2018 and the number of places has since been increased by phases from 3 000 to 8 000 in the 2020/21 school year, and will further increase to 10 000 by the 2022/23 school year meeting the special needs of pre-schoolers. Teachers are critically important to quality education. We have put in place since the 2020/21 school year a more structured and robust programme to strengthen professional development amongst our teaching staff on a wide range of areas including professional values and conduct, worldwide education development, as well as national education and national security education. We have achieved an all-graduate teaching force since the 2019/20 school year. Education is a vital component in building national identity and cultivating a strong sense of duty towards society and the country. The current-term Government has made Chinese History an independent compulsory subject at the junior secondary level and replaced the “Liberal Studies” subject by the “Citizenship and Social Development” subject covering the three major components of Hong Kong under “One Country, Two Systems”, contemporary China and global issues. Through a range of initiatives on higher education, starting from the 2017/18 academic year, all students attaining “3322” in the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education Examination (DSE) and aspiring to study further will be guaranteed subsidised undergraduate education either through the first-year-first-degree places in University Grants Committee-funded institutions, subsidised places in self-financing institutions under the Study Subsidy Scheme for Designated Professions/Sectors or the Non-means-tested Subsidy Scheme for Self-financing Undergraduate Studies in Hong Kong. Non-means-tested and means-tested subsidies are also given to DSE students pursuing undergraduate education in the Mainland under the Mainland University Study Subsidy Scheme. To create a talent pool for the fast-growing innovation and technology sector, the current-term Government has cultivated tech talents from primary and secondary schools besides attracting top performers from around the world. Schools have been provided with additional resources to go beyond the curriculum to engage in enrichment activities in artificial intelligence, robotics, coding, etc. Local STEM graduates are retained through tuition waiver for research postgraduate students, and publicly-funded Fellowship Schemes, STEM Internship Scheme, Technology Talent Scheme, etc. To attract non-local talents, the Technology Talent Admission Scheme and the Global STEM Professorship Scheme were introduced in June 2018 and June 2021 respectively.

Recurrent Expenditure on Education Up 26% in Current Term Government Amount: 2017-18: HK$80.2 billion 2018-19: HK$85.5 billion 2019-20: HK$92.4 billion 2020-21: HK$97.1 billion (Revised Estimate) 2021-22: HK$100.7 billion (Estimate) Kindergarten (KG) Education 90% of half-day KGs joining the KG education scheme offer free programmes Primary and Secondary Education Allocated more school-based grants to nurture all-rounded students Improved curriculum to strengthen moral and national education; replaced the subject of Liberal Studies by Citizenship and Social Development Strengthened teachers’ professional development Improved teacher-to-class ratio by 0.1 Achieved an all-graduate teaching force Exempted examination fees for 138 300 Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education Examination (DSE) candidates in past 3 years Vocational and Professional Education and Training Pilot Training and Support Scheme (Earn and Learn Scheme): About 4 300 trainees since 2017/18 academic year Pilot Project on the Development of Applied Degree Programmes Post-secondary Education Multiple Pathways All DSE graduates attaining “3322” may receive subsidised undergraduate education through: University Grants Committee (UGC)-funded First-year-first degree places Subsidised Scheme for Self-financing Undergraduate Studies Study Subsidy Scheme for Designated Professions/Sectors (e.g. nursing) Mainland University Study Subsidy Scheme Hong Kong Scholarship for Excellence Scheme to study abroad Benefited over 19 000 students in the 2020/21 academic year 5 local universities in World Top 100 (Quacquarelli Symonds World University Rankings 2022) Research Assessment Exercise (RAE) 2020 (About 16 000 research outputs) 25% “world leading” 45% “internationally excellent” Greater Professional Support to Cater for Diversity Recurrent expenditure increased 131.2% from 2017-18 to 2021-22 Special Educational Needs (SEN) Support Teachers 724 (86%) schools benefited Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO) All schools benefited School-based Educational Psychology and Speech Therapy Service All schools benefited Grant for Supporting Non-Chinese Speaking Students with SEN All schools with such students benefited Tiered Support for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder 10 000 students benefited Special Education Recurrent expenditure increased 44% from 2017-18 to 2021-22 Since 2017/18 school year: Enhanced provision of professional staff (including occupational therapists, speech therapists, school nurses and social workers) Enhanced grants for supporting students with medical complexity and extra provision to employ personal care workers or hire related services Upgraded ranks of occupational therapist, physiotherapist, warden and assistant warden and created nursing officer posts

Allocated over $13.5 billion recurrent resources to implement improvement measures to promote quality education. (EDB) Increased recurrent government expenditure on education by 26% over the five years between 2017-18 and 2021-22. (EDB) Completed the reviews led by eight task forces set up to conduct in-depth studies of quality education and implemented recommendations progressively. (EDB)

Implemented the kindergarten education scheme (Scheme) since the 2017/18 school year. In the 2020/21 school year, about 90% of half-day kindergartens joining the Scheme were free. (EDB) Adjusted the salary-related portion of the subsidies for teaching staff according to the annual civil service pay adjustment starting from the 2018/19 school year. The two-year tide-over grant (2017/18 to 2018/19 school years) has also been extended to the 2021/22 school year. (EDB) Strengthened the professional development of principals and teachers in kindergartens. Starting from the 2018/19 school year, each principal and teacher of kindergartens joining the Scheme should participate in 60 hours of continuous professional development activities for every three-year cycle. (EDB) Completed the review on the new kindergarten education policy, and started implementing the fine-tuned measures progressively. (EDB) Regularised the pilot scheme for promoting reading in kindergartens joining the Scheme, starting from the 2019/20 school year. (EDB)

Improved teacher-to-class ratio starting from the 2017/18 school year, providing around 2 200 additional regular teaching posts. (EDB) Continued to implement small class teaching in public sector primary schools with a view to reducing the allocation class size of the schools with big classes from 30 to 25 to enhance teaching and learning. (EDB) Replaced the subject of “Liberal Studies” by “Citizenship and Social Development” in the 2021/22 school year starting from Secondary Four. (EDB) Made Chinese History a compulsory subject for the junior secondary level starting from the 2018/19 school year and implemented the revised curriculum framework from Secondary One with effect from the 2020/21 school year. (EDB) Implemented initiatives to further promote Applied Learning (ApL) as a valued senior secondary elective subject. (EDB) Promoted reading in all public sector schools with additional grants starting from the 2018/19 school year. (EDB) Enhanced support in life-wide learning in public sector schools and schools under the Direct Subsidy Scheme (DSS) starting from the 2019/20 school year. (EDB) Set up in 2019 a $2.5 billion Student Activities Support Fund for students with financial needs in public sector and DSS schools to participate in out-of-classroom learning activities. (EDB) Set aside $3 billion from the Quality Education Fund (QEF) to implement the Dedicated Funding Programme for Publicly-funded Schools for four school years starting from the 2018/19 school year and later extended to the 2023/24 school year. As at early-September 2021, approved more than 1 300 applications with over $1 billion funding. (EDB)

Provided a subsidy for all public sector and DSS schools to cover operational expenses of the school's air-conditioning facilities starting from the 2018/19 school year. (EDB) Improved the teaching and learning environment of public sector schools by building new school premises or providing for in-situ expansion. Since July 2017, 17 capital works projects have been completed; another 11 school building projects are expected to be completed from 2021 to 2024. (EDB) Set up a dedicated team to expedite installation of lifts for public sector schools to build barrier-free campuses. The first batch of projects in 12 aided schools will be completed in 2022-23. (EDB) Commenced a time-limited minor works programme at some 600 aided school premises to enhance teaching and learning environment and efficacy. As at 31 March 2021, approved 2 065 works items. (EDB)

Established a professional ladder to enhance teachers' professional development from the 2020/21 school year. Core training programmes cover teachers' professional roles, values and conduct, local, national and international education development, as well as national education and national security education, etc. (EDB) Allocated a one-off funding of $500 million in the 2018/19 school year to support professional development of teachers and principals. (EDB) Implemented in one go the all-graduate teaching force policy in public sector primary and secondary schools in the 2019/20 school year. (EDB) Improved the manpower of deputy heads/vice-principals in public sector primary and secondary schools (including special schools) starting from the 2020/21 school year. (EDB)

Provided at least one full-time school-stationed school executive officer in each public sector and DSS school starting from the 2019/20 school year. Offered a new recurrent School-based Management Top-up Grant to these schools. (EDB)

Benefited over 55 000 students with special educational needs (SEN) from the enhanced Learning Support Grant in the 2020/21 school year, and provided about 1 140 additional regular teaching posts, entitled Special Educational Needs Support Teacher to around 700 public sector ordinary schools. (EDB) Provided a Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO) to every public sector ordinary school in phases between the 2017/18 and 2019/20 school years, and upgraded the SENCO post in schools with a comparatively large number of students with SEN to a promotion rank starting from the 2019/20 school year. Upgraded over 80% of the SENCO posts to a promotion rank in the 2020/21 school year. (EDB) Extended the School-based Educational Psychology Service (SBEPS) to all public sector ordinary schools, and provided enhanced SBEPS to schools with a comparatively large number of students with SEN, benefiting about 200 schools in the 2020/21 school year. (EDB) Created school-based speech therapist (SBST) posts in public sector ordinary schools in phases starting from the 2019/20 school year. In the 2021/22 school year, created more than 280 SBST posts in about 550 schools. (EDB) Enhanced support for students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) by assisting public sector ordinary primary and secondary schools to deploy a three-tier intervention model in phases from the 2020/21 school year, and providing tier-2 support with small group training on social adaptive skills. Benefited about 10 000 students with ASD. (EDB) Enhanced the staff establishment of the boarding sections of aided special schools starting from the 2020/21 school year. Benefited about 1 000 boarders in 22 aided special schools with a boarding section. (EDB) Provided resources to each public sector primary school for employing at least one graduate social worker and enhancing the provision of school social workers in special schools. (EDB) Injected $800 million into the Gifted Education Fund in 2019 to support service enhancement of the Hong Kong Academy for Gifted Education, implemented recommendations by the Advisory Committee on Gifted Education, and encouraged gifted education providers to provide quality off-school advanced learning programmes. (EDB) Strengthened support for non-Chinese speaking students (please refer to Chapter VIII for details). (EDB)

Allocated $2 billion in the QEF to launch a three-year programme in the 2021/22 school year to assist schools to implement the blended mode of learning and teaching. About $1.5 billion of the reserve is for purchasing mobile computer devices and Internet access facilities for loan to financially needy students. (EDB) Used the Community Care Fund to support needy students in primary and secondary schools to purchase mobile computer devices for e-learning under a three-year programme launched in the 2018/19 school year. Benefited about 176 000 students. (EDB) Provided schools on a need basis with a one-off top-up grant from late-2020 to early 2021 to purchase portable Wi-Fi routers and mobile data cards to benefit over 15 400 students. (EDB) Worked with the Hong Kong Education City in the 2020/21 school year to explore building a more comprehensive and user-friendly learning and teaching resources sharing platform. (EDB)

Allowed all students attaining “3322” in the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education Examination (DSE) to have access to subsidised undergraduate education either in University Grants Committee (UGC)-funded institutions or through funding schemes including Study Subsidy Scheme for Designated Professions/Sectors (SSSDP), Non-means-tested Subsidy Scheme for Self-financing Undergraduate Studies in Hong Kong (NMTSS), Mainland University Study Subsidy Scheme, etc. (EDB) Established the Hostel Development Fund to provide about $10.3 billion to six UGC-funded universities for expediting the development of about 13 500 hostel places. (EDB) Earmarked $16 billion for enhancing or refurbishing university campus facilities, in particular research equipment and laboratories, and approved the funding for the first major project in early 2021. (EDB) Allocated $1.26 billion for the Enhancement and Start-up Grant Scheme for Self-financing Post-secondary Education. (EDB) Completed the Eighth Matching Grant Scheme and fully allocated $2.5 billion to 10 publicly-funded post-secondary education institutions. (EDB) Increased senior year intake places of UGC-funded universities to 5 000 per annum from the 2018/19 academic year onwards. (EDB) Regularised the Hong Kong Scholarship for Excellence Scheme starting from the 2019/20 academic year. Awarded 454 students since the 2017/18 academic year. (EDB) Increased the number of scholarships offered under the Belt and Road Scholarship Scheme from 10 to 100 per year. Awarded 324 students from 36 countries since the 2017/18 academic year. (EDB) Subsidised about 11 500 students through the SSSDP in the 2020/21 academic year. (EDB) Launched the NMTSS, benefiting about 16 300 undergraduates in the 2020/21 academic year. (EDB) Launched the Targeted Taught Postgraduate Programmes Fellowships Scheme in the 2020/21 academic year on a pilot basis for five cohorts. Benefited 1 500 meritorious local students in the first two cohorts. (EDB) Revamped the Committee on Self-financing Post-secondary Education with effect from November 2019 with a strengthened role and functions to offer strategic and policy advice. (EDB) Completed public consultation and finalising proposed legislative amendments to the Post Secondary Colleges Ordinance (Cap. 320) to unify and strengthen regulation of self-financing post-secondary education programmes at degree and sub-degree levels with a view to submitting the amendment bill in the next-term Legislative Council. (EDB) Commenced a review of sub-degree education in December 2020 with expected completion in 2022. (EDB) Supported a common online platform being developed by the Joint Universities Computer Centre for five tertiary education institutions on a pilot basis using blockchain technology to enable local tertiary students to provide global institutions or employers with proof of education qualifications in an efficient and secure manner, which would be launched in November 2021. (ITB)

Regularised the Pilot Training and Support Scheme of the Vocational Training Council (VTC) starting from the 2019/20 academic year with 1 200 training places per year under the “Earn and Learn” model. (EDB) Followed up on the recommendations made by the Task Force on Promotion of Vocational and Professional Education and Training (VPET), including the establishment of the Steering Committee on Promotion of VPET and Qualifications Framework in September 2020. (EDB) Provided subsidies for trainees under the Training and Support Scheme of VTC for three years starting from the 2020/21 academic year to take part in study and exchange programmes outside Hong Kong, attend short-term skills and practical courses and visit institutions/enterprises in those places. (EDB) Launched a pilot scheme in December 2020 to provide one-stop professional service on VPET for teachers of selected secondary schools. (EDB) Launched the Pilot Project on the Development of Applied Degree Programmes in December 2020. Participating post-secondary institutions may launch the applied degree programmes in the 2022/23 academic year at the earliest. (EDB) Promulgated the report of Manpower Projection to 2027 in December 2019 to support the planning and development of VPET. (LWB)

Established the Human Resources Planning Commission in 2018 and launched a one-stop online manpower information portal in 2019. (CSO) Promulgated the first Talent List of Hong Kong in 2018 covering 11 professions. (LWB) Doubled the annual quota under the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme to 2 000 since September 2020. In 2020, 1 709 quota were allotted, the highest since 2006. (SB) Convened a high-level special meeting by the Chief Secretary for Administration in September 2020 to conduct a comprehensive review on the prevailing talent attraction mechanism, and identified policy enhancement measures to be explored, including reviewing the Talent List, attracting global STEM talents and strengthening the promotion of the talent attraction policies. (CSO) Implemented new facilitation measures to empower training institutions1 to develop Hong Kong as a Regional Training Hub. Over 6 600 non-local trainees attended training courses/academic programmes provided by these institutions from 2018 to the first half of 2021. (ICAC, CSB, SB, THB) Facilitated non-local talents and professionals to undertake certain short-term activities in designated sectors in Hong Kong, including the pilot scheme launched in June 2020 to facilitate overseas persons to take up short-term assignments in arbitration proceedings in Hong Kong. Professionals and skilled persons coming to Hong Kong for employment can come with their family members under the dependant visa regime. Some 100 000 dependants have benefited from this policy since July 2017. (SB, DoJ)

Injected $20 billion into the Research Endowment Fund (REF) and allocated $4.7 billion since July 2017; set up a $3 billion Research Matching Grant Scheme and allocated $1.63 billion since August 2019; and increased by $190 million recurrent funding for three new Fellowship Schemes, with 100 post-doctoral researchers and 40 outstanding scholars awarded since August 2019. (EDB) Injected $3 billion into the REF to provide non-means-tested tuition waiver for local research postgraduate (RPg) students with about 5 500 beneficiaries since July 2018. (EDB) Launched the Research Talent Hub under which the Post-doctoral Hub was merged with the Researcher Programme, with over 5 000 talents recruited since 2017. (ITB) Launched the STEM Internship Scheme in 2020 with over 4 000 interns trained. (ITB) Launched the Technology Talent Admission Scheme in 2018 with 586 quotas allotted and 257 visa/entry permit approved. (ITB) Launched the Global STEM Professorship Scheme in June 2021 to support universities in recruiting internationally-renowned STEM scholars. Supported over 40 scholars in the first tranche. (ITB, EDB) Launched the IT Innovation Lab in Secondary Schools Programme in the 2020/21 school year for three years, with $500 million to support information technology-related extra-curricular activities. Over 230 schools submitted funding applications since the launch of the Programme. (ITB) Launched a three-year Knowing More About IT Programme in all publicly-funded primary schools starting from the 2021/22 school year with $225 million. (ITB)

Put in place secondment arrangements with the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL), Hague Conference on Private International Law and the International Institute for the Unification of Private Law for Hong Kong legal professionals. Formally reserved a post by the Central People's Government for Department of Justice secondee under the United Nations Junior Professional Officers Programme at the UNCITRAL Secretariat. (DoJ) Launched an understudy programme for barristers and solicitors with less than 5 years' experience to be engaged in civil law matters, and expanded this programme to prosecution of criminal cases. Benefited 104 practitioners. (DoJ) Launched a Pilot Professional Exchange Programme to facilitate cross-fertilisation of knowledge and experience among lawyers in the private sector and the Government. (DoJ)

Extended in April 2020 the Pilot Programme to Enhance Talent Training for the Asset and Wealth Management Sector. Benefited over 420 undergraduate students and over 2 300 industry practitioners as at early-September 2021. (FSTB) Launched the Pilot Apprenticeship Programme for Private Wealth Management in collaboration with the Private Wealth Management Association in 2017, which benefited over 220 students since inception. (FSTB) Extended in April 2020 the Pilot Programme to Enhance Talent Training for the Insurance Sector. Benefited 367 university students and 7 323 industry practitioners as at August 2021. (FSTB) Launched the Financial Practitioners FinTech Training Programme in March 2020, attracting participation of over 1 200 financial practitioners from the banking, insurance and securities sectors. (FSTB) Launched the Financial Industry Recruitment Scheme for Tomorrow (FIRST) in September 2020 to subsidise employers in the financial services sectors to create 1 500 new full-time jobs, with 1 469 job positions filled as at end-August 2021. As an extension of FIRST, the Financial Industry Recruitment Scheme for Young Graduates (YOUTH) was launched in July 2021 to subsidise the creation of 200 full-time jobs for university students graduated in 2019 to 2021. (FSTB) Launched the Fintech Anti-epidemic Scheme for Talent Development in July 2020 to subsidise local Fintech companies, start-ups and other companies with Fintech-related operations to create 1 000 new full-time jobs. Over 700 applications have been approved for recruitment with 525 jobs already filled as at mid-September 2021. (FSTB) Upgraded Fintech Career Accelerator Scheme (FCAS) to FCAS 2.0 in January 2018, including enhancing its Gap Year Placement Programme, introducing an entrepreneurship summer boot camp, a Shenzhen summer internship programme, and a full-time graduate programme. Benefited more than 780 students since the launch of FCAS. (FSTB)

Injected $1.2 billion into the Qualifications Framework Fund in 2018 for the continued implementation of various initiatives. Benefited over 2 000 practitioners and 400 education and training providers in 2020-21. (EDB)

Injected an additional $10 billion into Continuing Education Fund (CEF) in 2018 and implemented enhancement measures in 2019. Over 10 000 registered CEF courses are available as compared with 7 800 before the enhancement. (LWB) Formulated a framework to recognise online courses under the CEF and, after consulting the sector, will start to receive course providers' applications for registration of eligible online courses as CEF reimbursable courses from October 2021. (LWB)

Committed about $360 million in early 2019 to provide funding support to enable the Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority to administer the DSE Examination for four cohorts from 2019 to 2022 pending a long-term financially-sustainable funding proposal. (EDB)

Provided Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs) of schools and Federations of PTAs (FPTAs) with additional resources starting from the 2019/20 school year. In the 2020/21 school year, benefited about 1 700 schools and 14 FPTAs. (EDB)

Progressively implement measures to promote the development of kindergartens, including streamlining administrative procedures, and ensuring quality and effective monitoring whilst maintaining the flexibility, diversity and vibrancy of the kindergarten sector in response to the changing needs of society. (EDB)

Step up support for schools to facilitate students to gain a better understanding of Chinese culture, Chinese history, national development, the Constitution and the Basic Law in a holistic manner, and to foster their sense of identity with the Chinese culture and the nation. (EDB) Enhance understanding of national security education among school supervisors, managers, principals, teachers and students, and promote the full implementation of national education and national security education in schools. The QEF will consider supporting related applications. (EDB)

Optimise the use of the QEF to support schools in implementing education on media and information literacy, and to teach students how to check the authenticity and validity of information so as to develop their independent thinking skills, thereby consolidating values education. (EDB)

Enhance teachers' professional conduct and training. Specific measures include: starting from the 2022/23 school year, requiring newly-appointed teachers of public sector schools to pass the Basic Law Test before appointment; providing clear guidelines and examples on teachers' professional conduct; publicising the “T-standard+” as professional reference for teachers; strengthening training to enhance teachers' understanding of the Constitution, the Basic Law, national security education and promote their professional conduct; and helping teachers gain first-hand experience about the development of our country through study tours to the Mainland. Cases of teachers involving in unlawful acts or misconduct will be handled seriously; teachers with distinguished talents and virtues will be commended. (EDB) Amend the Education Ordinance (Cap. 279) to extend the retirement age of the newly-joined teaching staff in aided schools from 60 to 65. (EDB)

Look into the current triennial funding arrangements by the UGC to strategically utilise funding to facilitate universities' active participation in Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), such as suitably increasing funding to enable university students to set their sights on opportunities in GBA. (EDB) Extend the Research Matching Grant Scheme for two years to allow more time for universities in their planning and fully utilise the funds to foster research collaboration between the private and the higher education sector. (EDB) Further relax the over-enrolment ceiling of UGC-funded RPg programme students from 70% to 100% progressively such that the UGC-funded universities may flexibly redeploy resources to nurture more research talents. (EDB) Invite UGC to look into the supply of and demand for UGC-funded RPg places and consider the feasibility of increasing the number of places. (EDB) Amend the Post Secondary Colleges Ordinance (Cap. 320) to enhance the regulatory framework and improve governance of self-financing post-secondary education institutions. (EDB)

Further promote ApL as a valued senior secondary elective subject by developing more diversified and up-to-date courses, as well as placing equal emphasis on practice and theory to cater for the diverse interests and potential of students and facilitate their articulation to multiple pathways for further study and career. (EDB) Promote further VPET through strengthening collaboration with the industries, including enhancing the participation of industry partners in ApL, and exploring the further incorporation of workplace learning and assessment elements in VPET programmes. (EDB) Support the Hong Kong VTC and the Shenzhen Polytechnic to strengthen collaboration in joint VPET programmes, including introducing more new joint programmes. (EDB)

Review and optimise the Diploma Yi Jin subsidy scheme, with a view to exploring the continued provision of an alternative pathway for secondary six school leavers as well as adult learners to obtain a formal qualification for the purposes of employment and further study. (EDB)

Promote the wider use of information technology to enhance service efficiency and user-friendliness, including comprehensive digitisation of primary one and secondary one admissions (including applications submission and result announcement) by phases starting from 2023; further enhancing the functions of the e-services platform for student financial assistance to encourage online submission of applications and supporting documents; launching a round-the-clock chatbot to enhance enquiry services; and supporting the smooth conduct of home visits and interviews through mobile platform and handheld devices. (EDB)

Double the annual quota of the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme to 4 000 to attract talents from all over the world to Hong Kong to support Hong Kong's development. (SB)

Add two new professions of “professionals in compliance in asset management” and “financial professionals in Environmental, Social and Governance” (ESG) to the Talent List of Hong Kong promulgated in 2018, and expand the fields of some existing professions to include experts of “arts technology”, “medical and healthcare sciences”, “microelectronics” and “integrated circuit design”, with a view to stepping up efforts to attract targeted high-quality talents to Hong Kong. (LWB) Refine the scope of the existing industry segment and occupation of Dispute Resolution Professionals and Transactional Lawyers in the Talent List to cover professionals with expertise in resolving international commercial disputes, and relax the qualification requirements on past experience in handling international commercial and financial disputes or investor-state disputes, and clarify the types of supporting documents required as proof of experience for transactional lawyers so as to attract more talents in these respects. (DoJ)

Review the Global STEM Professorship Scheme in consultation with the participating universities to seize opportunity to build up a critical mass of research talents for Hong Kong. (ITB) InvestHK to host a series of promotional and recruitment events, with particular focus on the innovation and technology sector, with a view to tapping talents' considerations and aspirations about coming to Hong Kong for devising suitable measures to attract talents to further their development in Hong Kong. (ITB, CEDB)

Support the Airport Authority Hong Kong to construct on the Hong Kong Boundary Crossing Facilities Island of Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge the campus and dormitories of the Hong Kong International Aviation Academy to complement its medium and long-term development, which will help Hong Kong develop into a leading aviation training hub in the GBA and the region beyond. (THB)

Nurture arts and culture talent in diverse areas such as arts administration, arts technology and script production. In respect of Cantonese opera, provide additional support for training of young talents and enable the continued professional development of practitioners, as well as encourage and support the production of new scripts with community appeal especially to younger audience. (HAB)

Study the development of professional qualification standards for the Fintech sector under the Qualifications Framework and, at the same time, include more courses related to Fintech and ESG in the list of reimbursable courses under the CEF, so as to enrich our talent pool. (FSTB, EDB and LWB) Examine with post-secondary education institutions the more active participation of Fintech companies in the design of Fintech programmes including provision of student internship opportunities, and incorporate more ESG-related topics in the business and finance programmes, thereby enabling post-secondary students to acquire wider and deeper knowledge and experience, as well as develop greater interest in the two areas. (FSTB)

Pursue the introduction of a GBA endorsement/visa to promote the southbound and northbound movement of business personnel and high-quality talents within the GBA. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government will actively follow up and discuss the initiative with relevant Central Authorities for its early implementation. (SB) Explore the extension of the Immigration Arrangement for Non-local Graduates to cover graduates of Hong Kong universities' GBA campuses. Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation will work with the relevant institutions to establish incubator networks in their GBA campuses to train up talent for and provide assistance to start-ups. (EDB, SB, ITB)

1 The training institutions are: the Independent Commission Against Corruption; Civil Service Training and Development Institute; Fire and Ambulance Services Academy; Hong Kong Police College; Hong Kong International Aviation Academy; and MTR Academy.

“Care for children, family support, patient care, poverty alleviation and elderly care are essential for building a compassionate and inclusive society.” “Senior citizens in Hong Kong have contributed immensely to the prosperity of our city. The Government should continue to allocate resources and utilise innovation and technology so that our senior citizens can enjoy the golden period in their twilight years.” “Our society has great respect for self-reliance and values Government efforts to provide education, training and retraining to help people adapt to new economy and trades. For those unable to support themselves, the Government has to put in place a sustainable welfare system to provide appropriate assistance.” “We appreciate that young people have great hopes and aspirations for the future of Hong Kong and also understand that they have their own ideas and views on social issues. We should understand the feelings and needs of our young people as they learn to become independent and prepare themselves to contribute to society.” Timely investment can reduce colossal expenses which may have to be incurred if action is delayed. Guided by this belief, the current-term Government has been bold and visionary in introducing new policy initiatives with recurrent implications to enhance primary health care, elderly support and employment support. Recurrent government expenditure on social welfare and healthcare have increased from $65.3 billion and $62.6 billion in 2017-18 to $105.7 billion and $95.9 billion in 2021-22 respectively, representing a significant increase of 62% and 53%. To monitor the effectiveness of the Government's poverty alleviation programmes, annual reports on Hong Kong's poverty situation were published. To enhance support to working families, the eligibility for the Working Family Allowance has been considerably relaxed, with about 61 900 families receiving the allowance. For the elderly, 75% of persons aged 65 or above are receiving some form of cash allowance from the Government, with the Higher Old Age Living Allowance launched in 2018 being the mainstream with 570 000 recipients as at end-August 2021. The Government Public Transport Fare Concession Scheme for the Elderly and Eligible Persons with Disabilities (commonly known as $2 Scheme) would be extended to persons aged 60–64 and cover red mini buses, kaito and the tramways from February 2022. Yet we need to work harder to provide purpose-built premises for residential care homes: measures introduced include the Special Scheme on Privately Owned Sites for Welfare Uses and the provision of additional gross floor area for welfare purposes in public housing estates. We have also increased the service places of subsidised home care services and the number of Community Care Service Voucher for the Elderly to promote ageing in place. For labour welfare, the statutory paid maternity leave has been extended from 10 weeks to 14 weeks with Government reimbursing the pay of additional weeks; and five-day paid statutory paternity leave has been implemented. We have improved the employment terms of non-skilled workers of government service contractors with average hourly rate at $45.5, well above the Statutory Minimum Wage of $37.5 per hour; and enacted legislation to bring the number of statutory holidays (12 days at present) on par with that of general holidays (17 days) progressively. The non-means tested Public Transport Fare Subsidy Scheme was launched to relieve the burden of daily public transport commuters. In respect of healthcare services, a new triennial funding arrangement is adopted to allow the Hospital Authority to plan ahead with longer timeframe. More healthcare resources would be deployed to cope with an ageing society, with an additional funding of $470 billion set aside for improvement of hospital and healthcare facilities under the two Ten-Year Hospital Development Plans. District Health Centres are set up to support people to manage their health issues in the community to avoid unnecessary hospitalisation. For young people having different aspirations, the Government is determined to creating an environment that enables them to grow healthily, build a stable home, pursue a good career and unleash their full potential. To broaden the scope for realising their dreams, we have been subsidising our young people to work and start up new businesses in the Mainland cities of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) under the GBA Youth Employment Scheme and Funding Scheme for Youth Entrepreneurship in GBA respectively. The Member Self-recommendation Scheme for Youth has also been well received with some 440 youth members appointed to different Government boards and committees so far. We achieved the target of 35% female members to Government boards and committees in June 2021.

2017-18: HK$7.7 billion 2021-22: HK$14.2 billion Estimated recurrent expenditure in 2021-22 is 85% higher than the actual recurrent expenditure in 2017-18

Starting from February 2022, extend to persons aged 60-64 Beneficiaries: Increase from 1.22 million (2017) to 2.14 million (2022)

75% of persons aged 65 or above receiving government social security payments Non-means-tested Schemes Old Age Allowance HK$1,475 per month Disability Allowance (DA) (Higher DA: HK$3,770 per month/Normal DA: HK$1,885 per month) Means-tested Schemes Comprehensive Social Security Assistance (HK$7,700 per month on average) Old Age Living Allowance (OALA) (Higher OALA: HK$3,815 per month/Normal OALA: HK$2,845 per month) *OALA being the mainstream (620 000 recipients, among which 92% receiving Higher OALA)

Health Care Voucher 1.41 million users (around 98% of eligible elderly) Over 10 400 healthcare service providers, with over 27 800 service locations. Technology Adoption in Elderly and Rehabilitation Care Approved HK$380 million for 1 300 service units to procure or rent over 9 600 technology products Home and Community Care Service Subsidised home care service places increased by 60%, from 8 365 (July 2017) to 13 365 (April 2021) Community Care Service Vouchers increased by 167%, from 3 000 (July 2017) to 8 000 (October 2020) Residential Care Service Subsidised places increased to 29 841 (August 2021) Users of Residential Care Service Voucher increased to 2 155 (August 2021) 47 development projects in progress: provide about 8 800 residential care places

Working Family Allowance Number of households benefited increased 124% from 27 600 households in March 2018 to 61 900 households in August 2021 Maternity & Paternity Leave, and Statutory Holidays Maternity Leave Extended from 10 weeks to 14 weeks (since December 2020) Reimbursement of 4-week pay: up to HK$80,000 per employee HK$56 million reimbursed (as at end-August 2021) Over 2 500 working mothers benefited (as at end-August 2021) Paternity Leave 5 days (since January 2019) Align Statutory Holidays with General Holidays Progressively The number of statutory holidays will be progressively increased from 12 days to 17 days Breastfeeding The Discrimination Legislation (Miscellaneous Amendments) Ordinance 2020 and the Sex Discrimination (Amendment) Ordinance 2021 have enhanced protection from discrimination and harassment Other Family Well-being Matters Family Impact Assessment Over 400 policy measures and programmes assessed since 2017 Thematic Sponsorship Scheme Approved HK$9 million for 12 projects, benefited over 120 000 peoplee

Pre-school Rehabilitation Services On-site Pre-school Rehabilitation Services (OPRS), Early Education and Training Centre, Integrated Programme in Kindergarten-cum-Child Care Centre and Special Child Care Centre places: Increased by 62% from 9 938 (2016-17) to 16 112 (2020-21) Regularised the OPRS in October 2018: Number of service places increased from 3 000 (pilot scheme) to 8 000 (2020/21 school year),and will further increase to 10 000 (by 2022/23 school year) Pre-primary Social Work Service 57 social work teams 725 pre-primary institutions 130 000 children and their families can benefit Child Care Child Care Centres (CCC) Subsidised places in aided standalone CCC increased by 15%, from 744 (2017) to 852 (2021) Enhanced child care workers manning ratios in 2019: from 1:8 to 1:6 for children aged 0 to below 2; from 1:14 to 1:11 for children aged 2 to below 3 After School Care Programme Regularised the arrangement allowing more low-income families to have access to fee-waiving places Full fee-waiving places: 2 100 (2019) to over 3 400 (March 2021) Neighbourhood Support Child Care Project Over 44 000 children benefited (from 2017-18 to 2020-21) Child Development Child Development Fund Injected HK$300 million (2018-19) 240 projects approved to benefit over 21 000 children Funding Scheme for Children’s Well-being and Development Approved HK$18 million for over 60 projects (2019-20 and 2020-21)

In past 5 years, relevant funding schemes cover: 31 Mainland provinces or municipalities 41 countries and regions in the world Over 70 000 young people benefited per year

Funding Scheme for Youth Life Planning Activities HK$112 million allocated 360 secondary schools and 24 NGO partners 318 000 persons benefited Over 620 e-learning activities organised to promote youth well-being during epidemic Individual Study and Career Support Service for Secondary School Students and Leavers HK$7.2 million allocated Over 400 persons benefited

Pilot Scheme rolled out in July 2021 is expected to benefit about 2 600 persons

200 Ambassadors

GBA Youth Employment Scheme HK$376 million allocated Launched in January 2021 with 3 494 vacancies and over 20 000 job applications Youth Development Fund First round of funding HK$24 million granted to 9 entrepreneurship projects 100 youth start-ups supported Over 95% survived by end of funding period Funding Scheme for Youth Entrepreneurship in the GBA HK$130 million for 16 NGOs 230 youth start-ups to be supported, involving over 800 Hong Kong young entrepreneurs 4 000 young people to be benefited Funding Scheme for Experiential Programmes at Innovation and Entrepreneurial Bases in the GBA HK$5 million for 15 NGOs 700 young people to be benefited Space Sharing Scheme for Youth 12 projects providing floor area of over 150 000 square feet Three properties contributed by property owners at nil or nominal rent Benefited over 5 000 young entrepreneurs and artists

Member Self-recommendation Scheme for Youth Over 6 800 applications received 270 young people appointed in Advisory and Statutory Bodies (ASBs), holding 440 posts Overall ratio of youth members in ASBs has increased from 7.8% in 2017 to 14.8% in mid-2021

Two projects are providing 1 760 places by mid-2022, including the first hostel with 80 places in Tai Po (operated since 2020) 1 600 places through 5 other projects are in progress

Short-term Food Assistance Service Projects 139 800 persons benefited since 2018 Comprehensive Social Security Assistance (CSSA) Scheme Substantially increased the rent allowance and relaxed the eligibility criteria for a supplement and special grants As additional relief during epidemic, relaxed the asset limits of able-bodied persons by 100% from June 2020 to May 2021, and disregarded the cash value of insurance policies of able-bodied applicants asassets from April to September 2021 for a grace period of one year Number of unemployment cases increased from 12 600 in January 2020 to 19 200 in August 2021 One-off Living Subsidy for Low-income Households Not Living in Public Housing and Not Receiving CSSA Two rounds in 2020-21 First round benefited 115 000 households Love Upgrading Special Scheme Training and allowance to 60 000 trainees since 2019 84% trainees completed full-time vocational skills courses are in employment (end-June 2021)

Subsidised day rehabilitation, respite and residential care service places increased by 20% from 31 346 (2016-17) to 37 626 (2020-21) Work Orientation and Placement Scheme 3 729 persons with disabilities employed (from July 2017 to August 2021) Parents/Relatives Resource Centre: Number of centres increased from 6 to 19 Support Centres for Persons with Autism: Number of centres increased from 3 to 5 Special Needs Trust Launched in March 2019 Art Development Fund for Persons with Disabilities Launched in March 2019 Approved HK$36 million for 59 projects

Additional subsidy to kindergartens (KGs) admitting non-Chinese speaking (NCS) students 486 KGs HK$341 million in total since 2017/18 school year Grant for supporting NCS students with special educational needs 1 153 students benefited HK$67 million in total since 2019/20 school year Government internship programme for non-ethnic Chinese students The number of non-ethnic Chinese post-secondary students who participated in the programme has increased from 16 in 2019 to 30 in 2020 and 35 in 2021 Racial Diversity Employment Programme 481 job seekers served since November 2020 Enhanced additional funding for schools admitting a relatively small number of NCS students 1 363 students benefited HK$53.4 million in total since 2020/21 school year Strengthened welfare support through outreaching 2 869 persons benefited since March 2020 Strengthened services at support service centres 19 550 persons benefited since 2019 Strengthened translation services at the CHEER Centre The number of cases of translation services increased from 5 500 cases in 2018-19 to 9 200 cases in 2020-21 Introduced translation services in Vietnamese in June 2019

Recurrent subvention in 2021-22 is HK$80.7 billion, representing an increase of 45% over the provision of HK$55.6 billion in 2017-18

District Health Centres (DHCs) Launched: Kwai Tsing and Sham Shui Po Launched by 2022: Wong Tai Sin, Tuen Mun, Tsuen Wan, Yuen Long and Southern District As at 31 March 2021, the first DHC in Kwai Tsing District has enrolled 14 400 members with over 73 400 service attendances and has conducted 15 100 basic health risk factors assessments HK$470 billion for Two Ten-year Hospital Development Plans (HDP) First Ten-year HDP: Over 6 500 additional beds 94 additional operating theatres Additional annual capacity: 438 800 general outpatient clinic attendances, 2 857 800 specialist outpatient clinic attendances Second Ten-year HDP: Over 9 000 additional beds Chinese Medicine Chinese Medicine Hospital: commence service in phases from Q2 2025 Government Chinese Medicines Testing Institute: complete construction in 2025

Set up the Steering Committee on Primary Healthcare Development and the Primary Healthcare Office in November 2017 and March 2019 respectively to steer the development of primary healthcare services. (FHB) Commenced operation of the District Health Centres (DHCs) in Kwai Tsing and Sham Shui Po in September 2019 and June 2021 respectively. Operation service contracts for two more DHCs (Wong Tai Sin and Tuen Mun) have been awarded. (FHB) Earmarked sites for setting up DHCs in all other districts and secured the support of the relevant District Councils on the locations of 10 DHCs. (FHB) Awarded operation service contracts for “DHC Express” in 11 districts (namely Central and Western District, Wan Chai, Eastern District, Yau Tsim Mong, Kowloon City, Kwun Tong, North District, Tai Po, Sai Kung, Sha Tin and Islands). (FHB) Prepared for the launch of the Pilot Public-Private Partnership Programme for DHCs in the Sham Shui Po DHC in the second half of 2021 to provide subsidised medical consultation services to members newly diagnosed with diabetes or hypertension. (FHB)

Launched “Towards 2025: Strategy and Action Plan to Prevent and Control Non-communicable Diseases in Hong Kong” in May 2018. (FHB) Expanded the Vaccination Subsidy Scheme since the 2018/19 season to cover people aged between 50 and 64, and provided outreach vaccination services for primary school students, increasing the seasonal influenza vaccination uptake rate by 46% when compared with the 2017/18 season. Regularised the School Outreach Vaccination Pilot Programme to cover primary schools, and kindergartens (KGs) and child care centres (CCCs) starting from the 2019/20 and 2020/21 season respectively. (FHB) Provided human papillomavirus vaccination to Primary Five female students since the 2019/20 school year. Provided pertussis vaccinations for pregnant women since July 2020. (FHB) Launched the Hong Kong Cancer Strategy in July 2019. Launched an online resource hub in July 2020 to provide health information related to cancer. (FHB) Adopted a risk-based approach for breast cancer screening, with screening service provided to eligible women aged between 44 and 69 starting from September 2021. (FHB) Launched in October 2020 the “Hong Kong Viral Hepatitis Action Plan 2020-2024” with a view to reducing the number of people suffering from viral hepatitis. (FHB) Introduced the Smoking (Public Health) (Amendment) Bill 2019 into the Legislative Council (LegCo) in February 2019 to prohibit the import, manufacture, sale, distribution and advertisement of alternative smoking products, including e-cigarettes, heat-not-burn products and herbal cigarettes. (FHB) Designated 11 bus interchange facilities located at tunnel portal areas or leading to expressways or tunnels as no smoking areas. (FHB)

Supported the Advisory Committee on Mental Health to invite proposals on strengthening mental health support in July 2021 with funding from the Beat Drugs Fund. (FHB) Expanded the Student Mental Health Support Scheme from 17 schools in the 2017/18 school year to 210 schools in the 2021/22 school year. (FHB) Regularised and expanded the Dementia Community Support Scheme to cover all district elderly community centres in 2019. From 2017 to 2020, benefited about 4 700 elderly persons and their carers. (FHB) Commenced territory-wide mental health prevalence surveys for completion within 2023 covering children, adolescents and elderly persons to gather mental health related data to facilitate the development of relevant services. (FHB) Launched the on-going mental health promotion and public education initiative named “Shall We Talk” since July 2020 to raise public understanding and awareness about mental wellness. (FHB) Strengthened multi-disciplinary support for patients with common mental disorder in psychiatric specialist outpatient clinics in five clusters of the Hospital Authority (HA). (FHB) Piloted the collaborative care model between paediatrics and child & adolescent (C&A) psychiatry departments by the HA to provide better care management and timely treatment for patients with mild and stable Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and strengthened the allied health support services to C&A psychiatric patients. (FHB) Increased the capacity of the C&A psychiatric specialist outpatient clinics to provide 1 500 additional new case attendances and provided more personalised and timely multi-disciplinary support services. (FHB)

Established the positioning of Chinese medicine (CM) in the public medical system in Hong Kong and provided subsidies to in-patient and out-patient services offered by the future Chinese Medicine Hospital (CMH); out-patient services offered by the 18 Chinese Medicine Clinics cum Training and Research Centres (CMCTRs); and in-patient services providing Integrated Chinese-Western Medicine treatment in defined public hospitals of the HA. (FHB) Established the Chinese Medicine Unit under the Food and Health Bureau for maintaining liaison with the CM sector, as well as co-ordinating and implementing strategies and measures to promote the development of CM. (FHB) Allocated resources to construct two flagship infrastructure projects, the CMH and the Government Chinese Medicines Testing Institute (GCMTI): the contracts for operation and construction of the CMH were awarded in June 2021, with a view to launching services in phases from the second quarter of 2025; while the operation of the temporary GCMTI commenced in March 2017, with the permanent GCMTI expected to be completed in 2025. (FHB) Provided an annual quota of around 620 000 for subsidised out-patient services ($120 per visit) in 18 CMCTRs starting from March 2020. (FHB) Increased the participating hospitals in the HA's Integrated Chinese-Western Medicine Pilot Programme to eight, covering all seven clusters of the HA. (FHB) Rolled out various funding schemes under the $500 million Chinese Medicine Development Fund, which benefited different segments of the industry, non-profit-making organisations and academic institutions, with around 3 000 applications approved. (FHB) Facilitated the implementation of the streamlined approval procedures to allow Hong Kong registered proprietary CM for external use to be registered and sold in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), and the arrangement for recruiting Hong Kong CM practitioners by certain GBA public healthcare institutions, as announced in August 2021. (FHB)

Introduced since 2018-19 a triennium funding arrangement to increase the HA's recurrent funding progressively, having regard to population growth and demographic changes. Provided recurrent funding of $80.7 billion to the HA in 2021-22, representing an increase of 45% over the provision in 2017-18. (FHB) Commenced planning for the Second Ten-year Hospital Development Plan at an estimated budget of about $270 billion by the HA since 2018, with a view to commencing preparatory works gradually by 2026. (FHB) Implemented recommendations by the Special Task Group under the HA Board to enhance the HA's administrative efficiency, including streamlining the resource bidding and decision making processes. (FHB) Commenced in-patient services at Tin Shui Wai Hospital since November 2018, with 24-hour Accident and Emergency services. (FHB)

Commenced services at the Hong Kong Children's Hospital (HKCH) by phases since December 2018 to treat complex, serious and uncommon paediatric cases requiring multi-disciplinary management. (FHB) Increased the number of drugs or medical items covered by the Samaritan Fund and Community Care Fund Medical Assistance Programmes safety net, and enhanced the means test mechanisms twice in 2019 and 2021, thereby extending the group of beneficiary and lowering the level of co-payment by patients. (FHB) Strengthened support to patients with uncommon disorders through rolling out targeted measures in clinical diagnosis, multi-disciplinary care, introduction of drugs, drug subsidies, public awareness and scientific research and development (R&D). (FHB) Set up the Hong Kong Genome Institute in May 2020. The pilot phase of Hong Kong Genome Project commenced in July 2021, targeting participants with undiagnosed genetic diseases and hereditary cancers. (FHB) Implemented measures to enhance the HA's cancer diagnosis and treatment services, including recruiting 14 additional Cancer Case Managers (CCM) and expanding the CCM programme to cover gynaecological cancer and haematological cancer patients, serving additional 1 400 new cases; providing additional 6 000 attendances for radiography services; serving around 2 200 additional attendances in oncology at Specialist Outpatient Clinics and Nurse Clinics; and recruiting additional Medical Social Workers to offer psychosocial support to around 5 800 additional attendances, etc. in 2020-21. (FHB) Amended legislation in July 2018 to allow paired and pooled organ donations in Hong Kong. The HA launched a pilot Paired Kidney Donation Programme in the fourth quarter of 2018. (FHB) Completed public consultation on legislative proposals on advance directives and dying in place in relation to end-of-life care services. Relevant law drafting work is underway. (FHB)

Launched a three-year programme Healthy Teeth Collaboration in July 2018 and extended it for another three years to provide free dental services for adults aged 18 or above with intellectual disability. As at end-August 2021, about 3 200 persons have benefited. (FHB) Implemented an outreach dental programme in Special Child Care Centres (SCCCs) under the Social Welfare Department (SWD) to provide children aged under six with intellectual disability with free on-site dental check-up and oral health education. Up to end-July 2021, about 1 000 pre-school children have received dental check-up and about 200 of them were referred to the Special Oral Care Service at HKCH for follow up treatment. (FHB) Set up 23 outreach dental teams in ten non-governmental organisations (NGOs) under the Outreach Dental Care Programme for the Elderly to provide free outreach dental services for elders in residential care homes, day care centres and similar facilities. Up to end-August 2021, the number of attendances was about 281 200. Expanded the Elderly Dental Assistance Programme to cover elderly persons aged 65 or above receiving the Old Age Living Allowance (OALA), and refined its service scope in February 2019. Implemented further enhancements from July 2021 to include more subsidised items, and to allow elderly persons aged 75 or above who received services under the programme at least five years ago to receive free removable dentures and other related dental services for a second time. Up to end-August 2021, about 46 200 elders have joined the programme. (FHB)

Employed all qualified local medical graduates by the HA and provided them with relevant specialist training. From 2017-18 to 2020-21, the HA employed around 1 700 local medical graduates. (FHB) Facilitated the continuation of specialist training (including Community Medicine, Emergency Medicine, Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Ophthalmology, Paediatrics, Pathology and Psychiatry) of non-locally trained doctors without full registration in Hong Kong through collaboration between the HA and the Hong Kong Academy of Medicine. (FHB) Introduced into the LegCo the Medical Registration (Amendment) Bill 2021 to create a new pathway to allow qualified non-locally trained doctors to practise in Hong Kong. Subject to the LegCo's passage of the Bill, a statutory Special Registration Committee will be set up to determine the list of recognised medical qualifications awarded by non-local medical schools. The target is to submit the list to the Registrar of Medical Practitioners (i.e. the Director of Health) for promulgation in the second half of 2022. (FHB) Commissioned the University of Hong Kong to conduct Healthcare Manpower Projection 2020 to update the demand and supply projections of 13 healthcare professions to facilitate formulation of relevant manpower policies. The results of the manpower projections of specialist doctors, specialist dentists, registered nurses and enrolled nurses are expected to be available in the fourth quarter of 2021. (FHB) Launched in early 2021 a voluntary registration scheme by the Nursing Council of Hong Kong for the development of nursing specialties to pave way for the eventual setting up of a statutory registration system. As at early-September 2021, applications have been open for 12 specialties, with the remaining four expected to be invited from October 2021. (FHB) Invited the Supplementary Medical Professions Council and its Boards to follow up on the recommendations of the Report of the Strategic Review on Healthcare Manpower Planning and Professional Development and profession-specific issues, with a view to submitting proposals after consulting their respective professions. The Optometrists Board has launched the mandatory Continuing Professional Development Scheme with effect from 1 July 2021. (FHB) Secured in the 2018-19 and 2019-20 legislative sessions the LegCo's approval for capital works project proposals of about $2 billion, accounting for 10% of the $20 billion earmarked for upgrading and improving the healthcare teaching facilities of the University of Hong Kong, the Chinese University of Hong Kong and the Hong Kong Polytechnic University. Funding proposals for two new projects have been submitted within the 2020-21 legislative session, involving approximately $113 million. (FHB) Implemented the Voluntary Health Insurance Scheme (VHIS) in April 2019. As at end-March 2021, the number of VHIS policies reached 791 000. As at end-May 2021, there were 78 Certified Plans, offering 296 products. (FHB)

Passed the Private Healthcare Facilities Bill in November 2018 to implement a new regulatory regime for private hospitals, day procedure centres, clinics and health services establishments to ensure public safety and enhance consumer rights. The licences for all private hospitals and the first batch of licences for day procedure centres took effect on 1 January 2021. (FHB) Provided a clear and dedicated regulatory framework on the use of advanced therapy products to safeguard public health and facilitate the relevant scientific development through the Pharmacy and Poisons (Amendment) Ordinance 2020, which came into operation in August 2021. (FHB)

Implemented new measures for enhancing the protection of non-skilled employees engaged by government service contractors since April 2019, which includes increasing the weighting of wage levels in tender assessments. Wages in the contracts awarded increased by more than 24%. (LWB) Strengthened protection of the rights and benefits of employees injured at work, including enhancing provision of Claims Support Services, with 7 471 work injury dispute cases handled from January 2020 to August 2021; expeditiously concluded 388 cases under a pilot scheme on enhancing the follow-up procedures for sick leave relating to work injury since its implementation in December 2019 till August 2021; and strengthening the enforcement of the Employees' Compensation Ordinance (Cap. 282). (LWB) Prepared for the launch of a three-year Pilot Rehabilitation Programme for Employees Injured at Work targeting the construction industry in 2022, under which a case management approach will be adopted to provide timely and well co-ordinated private out-patient treatment and rehabilitation services to facilitate early recovery. (LWB) Issued “Guidance Notes on Standing at Work and Service Counter Design” in December 2018. (LWB) Issued “Guidance Notes on Safety and Health of Hand-dug Tunnelling Work” in December 2017. (LWB) Launched an online occupational safety and health complaint platform in March 2019 to facilitate employees and members of the public to report unsafe working conditions. Up to August 2021, about 3 700 complaint cases were received. (LWB) Strengthened the referral mechanism for relatively risk-prone renovation and maintenance works in January 2020, enabling the Labour Department (LD) to conduct targeted safety inspection in a timely manner. Up to July 2021, some 11 200 works were notified through the mechanism. (LWB) Conducted more comprehensive and in-depth surprise inspections targeting work sites with high risk processes or poor safety performance, and stepped up participation in site safety management committee meetings of public works projects since 2018. Up to July 2021, LD conducted 107 such surprise inspections and participated in 1 349 site safety management meetings of public works projects. (LWB) Enacted legislation to adjust upwards with effect from 17 September 2021 the jurisdictional limit of the Minor Employment Claims Adjudication Board in respect of the claim amount to not exceeding $15,000 per claimant. (LWB) Established a dedicated division under LD in September 2020 to enhance protection of foreign domestic helpers and provide better support to their employers. (LWB)

Injected $2.5 billion into the Employees Retraining Fund in 2020 for the Employees Retraining Board (ERB) to strengthen support to employees affected by economic downturn. ERB launched the third and fourth tranche of the Love Upgrading Special Scheme in January 2021 and July 2021 respectively, providing training and allowance to 40 000 trainees in total. (LWB) ERB adjusted the training and working hour arrangements under the “First-Hire-Then-Train” Scheme, and rolled out these arrangements in March 2021. (LWB)

Launched in September 2020 a pilot scheme on retention allowance to encourage the elderly, young people and persons with disabilities to undergo and complete on-the-job training. (LWB) Enhanced the Work Orientation and Placement Scheme in both 2018 and 2020 to encourage employers to hire and train job seekers with disabilities, including increasing the allowance to employers and extending the maximum period of allowance. (LWB) Extended in December 2018 the follow-up period of post-placement support for “On the Job Training Programme for People with Disabilities”, “Sunnyway – On the Job Training Programme for Young People with Disabilities” and supported employment service from 6 to 12 months. (LWB) Published since 2018 the success rates of persons with disabilities as well as those for other candidates to enhance the transparency of civil service recruitment, and doubled the places under the Internship Scheme for Students with Disabilities from an average of 50 to 100 each year. (CSB)

Implemented five-day statutory paternity leave with effect from 18 January 2019. (LWB) Secured the LegCo's passage of the Employment (Amendment) Ordinance 2021 on 7 July 2021. The number of statutory holidays will be progressively increased to 17 days, so that it will be on par with the number of general holidays. The first additional statutory holiday will be the Birthday of the Buddha in 2022. It is estimated that over one million employees will benefit. (LWB) Launched in March 2020 the Integrated Care Programme and Stable Drug Use pilot scheme in families clinics to enhance the medical services for civil service eligible persons (CSEPs) with chronic diseases. (CSB) Implemented in March 2020 a Pilot Scheme on Civil Service Chinese Medicine Clinics, under which about 63 000 discs of free CM general out-patient consultation and acupuncture service are provided to CSEPs annually. (CSB)

Launched the HKMC Annuity Plan in July 2018. Lowered the minimum eligible age for the Plan from 65 to 60 since February 2020. As at end-August 2021, about 12 500 policies have been sold, with a total premium of over $8.9 billion. (FSTB) Committed to putting in place the measure of the Government paying 5% Mandatory Provident Fund (MPF) contributions for low-income persons whose monthly income is less than the Minimum Relevant Income upon full implementation of the eMPF Platform in around 2025. (FSTB)

Launched a new phase of the Special Scheme on Privately Owned Sites for Welfare Uses in April 2019 for NGOs to apply for the development or redevelopment of the sites they own to increase the provision of much-needed welfare facilities. Six projects under Phase 1 of the Scheme have completed construction, providing about 260 additional elderly service places and about 1 020 additional rehabilitation service places. (LWB) Implemented new arrangement for the land premium policy for religious bodies to encourage the religious community to provide social services and to optimise the use of land resources. (HAB) Earmarked $20 billion with the target to purchase 120 premises for the provision of about 160 welfare facilities. SWD is assessing the suitability of potential premises. (LWB) Completed the review and made recommendations in July 2021 on ways to enhance the Lump Sum Grant Subvention System. (LWB) Formulated the planning ratios of rehabilitation services concerned for incorporating into the Hong Kong Planning Standards and Guidelines in 2021-22. (LWB) Pressed ahead with the initiative of providing additional gross floor area for welfare purposes in public housing projects to be completed from 2026-27 onwards. A broad-brush review on the feasibility of implementing this new initiative in individual projects has been completed. The initiative will be taken forward in most of the projects. (LWB, DEVB, THB)

Established the Commission on Children in June 2018 to address the diversified issues related to children. Measures included: supported more than 60 promotional and public education projects through the Funding Scheme for Children's Well-being and Development since its launch in April 2019; commissioned a consultant to conduct a feasibility study on development of a central databank on children in Hong Kong in late 2019; and conducted public engagement sessions at quarterly intervals since January 2021 to gather views on child-related issues. (LWB) Injected $300 million into the Child Development Fund in 2018-19 for launching more projects to boost the self-motivation and confidence of children from low-income families and help them plan for their future. So far, the Fund has supported 240 projects, benefiting over 21 000 children. (LWB) Set up five specialised co-parenting support centres (SCSCs) since October 2019 to strengthen support for divorced/separated parents and their children. As at June 2021, the five SCSCs provided support services for a total of 685 cases and conducted about 5 600 child contacts/exchange sessions. (LWB)

Provided additional resources since September 2017 for about 260 day/residential CCCs for enhancing the remuneration for qualified child care staff, so as to retain and attract them. (LWB) Completed the Consultancy Study on the Long-term Development of Child Care Services in November 2018, with a series of short-term and long-term measures to improve the quality and quantity of child care services. (LWB) Formulated an appropriate planning ratio for subsidised CCCs places on the basis of population and included it in the Hong Kong Planning Standards and Guidelines in March 2020. (LWB) Included CCC as a type of social welfare services under the new phase of the Special Scheme on Privately Owned Sites for Welfare Uses launched in April 2019. (LWB) Enhanced the manning ratios for qualified child care workers serving in aided CCCs to 1:6 (for children aged 0 to under 2) and 1:11 (for children aged 2 to under 3) in September 2019. With reference to the manning ratios of day CCCs, the ratio of residential CCCs was also adjusted in September 2019. In addition, the supervisory support for subsidised CCCs has been strengthened since February 2021. (LWB) Implemented the Child Care Centre Parent Subsidy in February 2020 to partially subsidise the service fee. As at May 2021, over 4 700 children have benefited. Besides, the subsidy level of aided standalone CCCs had been raised from 20% to 40% in 2020-21. (LWB) Regularised the “Pilot Scheme on Relaxing the Household Income Limit of the Fee-waiving Subsidy Scheme under the After School Care Programme for Low-income Families and Increasing Fee-waiving Subsidy Places” under the Community Care Fund in October 2020 by introducing a one-third reduction of fees and strengthened after-school care services. As at June 2021, the number of beneficiaries was around 3 450. (LWB) Increased professional and supporting staff of the Neighbourhood Support Child Care Project to strengthen training for home-based child carers commencing in January 2020, and increased the level of incentive payment to encourage more volunteers to serve as child carers. (LWB) Completed a feasibility study in April 2020 on the provision of after-school care service for children aged three to six in suitable welfare facilities, and re-engineered the Mutual Help Child Care Centres in phases from 2020-21 onwards to provide after-school care service for pre-primary children. (LWB) Launched a three-year pilot scheme in the 2018/19 school year to provide social work service in phases for about 130 000 pre-primary children and their families in 725 subsidised/aided pre-primary institutions to identify early and provide assistance to children and their families with welfare needs. (LWB) Increased the number of residential child care places. From 2017-18 to 2020-21, 194 additional residential child care places, including 60 small group home places, ten places of emergency/short-term care in small group homes as well as 124 places in boys'/girls' homes/hostels were provided. (LWB) Enhanced care and support for children and youth receiving residential child care services through allocating additional recurrent resources from 2018-19 onwards to strengthen the manpower of over 130 residential child care service units. (LWB) Provided additional recurrent funding to cover the electricity charges of air-conditioning in all subsidised residential child care service units since 2017-18 and implemented the Environment Improvement Programme for 108 small group homes since 2019-20 to address needs in the daily living of children and youth in these units. (LWB)

Regularised the On-site Pre-school Rehabilitation Services (OPRS) in October 2018 with the number of service places increased from about 3 000 to over 8 000 in the 2020/21 school year in phases. The number will be further increased to 10 000 by the 2022/23 school year. (LWB) Waived the means test for children on the waiting list of SCCCs (including residential SCCCs) applying for training subsidy and provided additional training subsidy places since October 2017. (LWB) Commenced the Pilot Project on Tier 1 Support Services in Kindergartens/Kindergarten-cum-Child Care Centres in the 2020/21 school year at KGs/KG-cum-CCCs participating in the OPRS to provide early intervention services for children awaiting assessment by Child Assessment Centres (CACs), or assessed by CACs to have borderline developmental problems, etc. (LWB)

Set up the Special Needs Trust in March 2019 to provide affordable trust services for parents of children with special needs. (LWB) Increased the number of Parents/Relatives Resource Centres for persons with disabilities progressively from 6 to 19 since March 2019. (LWB) Regularised the Pilot Project on Strengthening Support for Persons with Autism and their Parents/Carers and set up five Support Centres for Persons with Autism. (LWB) Streamlined the application and project management procedures of the Community Investment and Inclusion Fund (CIIF) since November 2017 to encourage more organisations to apply for grants to implement social capital development projects. (LWB) Regularised the community support programme for residents of new public rental housing (PRH) estates through the CIIF in April 2019 to help new residents and families integrate into the community. Residents of 17 new PRH estates have been benefited since the regularisation. (LWB) Injected an additional $500 million into the CIIF in 2020 to support social capital development projects and build mutual help networks in the community. The injection is expected to benefit more than 140 000 people. (LWB) Regularised the provision of student grant from the 2020/21 school year, with each secondary day school, primary school and KG student receiving an annual grant of $2,500, benefiting about 900 000 students. (EDB)

Extended statutory maternity leave from 10 weeks to 14 weeks with effect from 11 December 2020, with the Government fully reimbursing the additional statutory maternity leave pay paid by employers, subject to a cap of $80,000 per employee. (LWB) Extended the full-pay maternity leave for all female employees of the Government to 14 weeks from 10 October 2018 onwards. As at 31 March 2021, over 4 000 government employees have benefited. (CSB) Imposed since 2018-19 the requirement for provision of babycare rooms and lactation rooms in the conditions of sale of all commercial land sale sites. (DEVB) Published by the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong (SEHK) in 2018 a “Guidance for Boards and Directors” to give advice to boards and directors on their roles to promote, among others, board diversity. With effect from 1 January 2019, listed companies are required to disclose the board's policy on board diversity, including gender diversity. SEHK published a consultation paper in April 2021 on new diversity requirements to prohibit single-gender boards among listed companies. (FSTB) Commissioned the first public facility for keeping abortuses in April 2019 at Wo Hop Shek Cemetery. A similar facility at Cape Collinson Columbarium was also commissioned in August 2021. (FHB) Increased the proportion of female non-official members in advisory and statutory bodies (ASBs) from 31% in 2015 to 35.2% as at end-June 2021, meeting the target of 35%. (LWB)

Launched in June 2018, the Higher OALA (currently at $3,815 per month) is benefiting some 570 000 recipients. (LWB) Introduced the Fujian Scheme in April 2018 to provide Old Age Allowance for eligible elderly persons residing in Fujian. (LWB) Introduced OALA under the Guangdong Scheme and Fujian Scheme in January 2020. About 13 000 portable OALA recipients are now living in the two provinces. (LWB) Conducted the first major review of the Comprehensive Social Security Assistance (CSSA) Scheme since 1999 and fully implemented a series of improvements in February 2021. (LWB) Implemented the time-limited “Special Scheme of Assistance to the Unemployed” under the CSSA Scheme, including relaxing the asset limits of able-bodied persons by 100% from June 2020 to May 2021, and disregarding the cash value of insurance policies of able-bodied applicants as assets from April to September 2021 for a grace period of one year. (LWB) Increased the rates of allowance and significantly relaxed the eligibility criteria of the Low-income Working Family Allowance (LIFA) Scheme in April 2018, and renamed it as the Working Family Allowance (WFA) Scheme. The rates of allowance were substantially raised starting from the claim month of July 2020. As at end-August 2021, there were about 61 900 active WFA beneficiary households, more than double the number for the then LIFA Scheme. (LWB) Provided a one-off special allowance under the Anti-epidemic Fund to eligible WFA beneficiary households and means-tested Student Financial Assistance for pre-primary, primary and secondary students in June 2020, benefiting about 200 000 households. (LWB) Reduced the working hour requirements for non-single-parent households under the WFA Scheme (from 144 to 72 hours per month for Basic Allowance) on a time-limited basis for the claim months from June 2021 to May 2022. It is estimated that about 24 000 additional households would benefit. (LWB) Allocated to the Short-term Food Assistance Service Projects a total of $659 million since 2018 with 139 800 beneficiaries, and regularised the Projects from August 2021 with annual recurrent provision of $415 million, which is expected to benefit 60 000 to 80 000 service users each year. (LWB)

Increased the service places of subsidised home care services by 5 000 (from 8 365 in July 2017 to 13 365 starting April 2021); and increased the number of vouchers under the Pilot Scheme on Community Care Service Voucher for the Elderly from 3 000 in July 2017 to 8 000 starting October 2020. (LWB) Commenced the purchase of an additional 5 000 EA1 places through the Enhanced Bought Place Scheme in 2019-20 to increase the supply of subsidised residential care places for the elderly and enhance the overall service quality of private residential care homes for the elderly. About 2 900 EA1 places have been purchased, of which about 1 700 have commenced service by end-August 2021. (LWB) Launched the $1 billion Innovation and Technology Fund for Application in Elderly and Rehabilitation Care in December 2018. About $380 million have been approved, subsidising about 1 300 elderly and rehabilitation service units to procure or rent over 9 600 technology products. (LWB) Engaged an intermediary consortium of 10 organisations in January 2021 to develop and operate a one-stop Gerontechnology Platform under the Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development Fund to promote the use of gerontechnology in Hong Kong. (EffO/ITB) Provided a total of 1 200 additional training places under the Navigation Scheme for Young Persons in Care Services for five years starting from 2020-21, and enhanced the scheme to encourage more young persons to join the elderly and rehabilitation care services. (LWB)

Announced in January 2021 the implementation of enhancement and anti-abuse measures under the Government Public Transport Fare Concession Scheme for the Elderly and Eligible Persons with Disabilities ($2 Scheme), including lowering the eligible age from 65 to 60 to benefit some 600 000 persons aged 60 to 64; and extending the $2 Scheme to red mini buses, kaito and the tramways. The launch date for the enhancement and anti-abuse measures would be 27 February 2022. (LWB)

Created new clinical psychologist posts at Integrated Community Centres for Mental Wellness from October 2018 to enhance professional support for persons in recovery and persons with suspected mental health problems; and extended the services to cover secondary school students with mental health needs from October 2019. (LWB)

Injected $400 million into the Partnership Fund for the Disadvantaged in 2018-19 to promote cross-sector collaboration in helping the disadvantaged. The injection was allocated to the regular portion and the dedicated portion for after-school learning and support programmes, which will benefit some 130 000 grassroot students. (LWB) Provided subvention to NGOs for setting up five Cyber Youth Support Teams to reach out to at-risk and hidden youths to provide early intervention and support. The service commenced operation on 1 December 2018. (LWB) Raised the ceiling of cash assistance under the District Support Scheme for Children and Youth Development since 2018-19 to $2,000 per person per year, and increased the annual quota to 10 000 to better cater for the development needs of deprived children and youths. Around 33 000 persons have benefited since the enhancements. (LWB) Provided in 2020-21 two rounds of grants of the one-off living subsidy for low-income households not living in PRH and not receiving CSSA. The first round benefited around 115 000 households whereas disbursement of the second round of grants is in progress. (HAB) Injected $50 million into the Trust Fund for Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) in 2018 to continue to provide support for SARS patients, benefiting more than 120 patients. (LWB)

Provided home-based services for an additional 1 800 persons with disabilities living in the community from 2019-20. (LWB) Increased the number of places of day, residential rehabilitation and respite services, and those provided under the Bought Place Scheme for Private Residential Care Homes for Persons with Disabilities (RCHDs) from 31 346 in 2016-17 to 37 626 in 2020-21. (LWB) Provided in 2021 an additional 45 designated residential respite places through the Bought Place Scheme for Private RCHDs. (LWB) Launched the Arts Development Fund for Persons with Disabilities with $250 million capital injection in March 2019. Approved about $36 million to support 50 service units to implement 59 arts projects. (LWB) Made preparation to launch a pilot scheme to arrange for residents of hostels for severely mentally handicapped persons who are in need of pairing Day Activity Centre services to receive the services at their hostels. (LWB) Commenced discussion with special schools on providing residential respite service in boarding sections of special schools with vacant boarding places. (EDB)

Established the Youth Development Commission (YDC) under the chairmanship of the Chief Secretary for Administration (CS) in April 2018 to oversee the formulation and co-ordination of youth policies and steer bureaux and departments concerned to take forward the relevant initiatives. (HAB) Arranged policy thematic meetings with relevant policy bureaux starting from 2020 to further enhance the operation of the YDC and communicate with young people in a more open, direct and interactive manner. (HAB) Launched the 20A Youth Ambassador (YA) Programme in 2017 and the YDC YA Programme in 2018 respectively, recruiting a total of around 200 YAs. A series of training sessions and activities, including thematic seminars and exchanges and training outside Hong Kong, have been organised. Arranged YAs to serve as volunteers in large-scale and international events organised by the Government. (HAB) Introduced a pilot scheme in July 2021 to provide local outdoor adventure training activities for young people, targeting to benefit around 2 600 young people. (HAB)

Launched the Greater Bay Area Youth Employment Scheme in January 2021, providing 2 000 jobs with a monthly salary of not less than HK$18,000 for university graduates to work in the Mainland cities of the GBA. 417 enterprises have provided a total of 3 494 job vacancies, with about half being innovation and technology posts. More than 20 000 job applications have been received. (LWB, ITB) Rolled out a pilot scheme on youth entrepreneurship in Shenzhen in 2018 and launched two brand-new funding schemes under the Youth Development Fund in 2019 to support youth start-ups to start their businesses in Hong Kong and the Mainland cities of the GBA. The Funding Scheme for Youth Entrepreneurship in the GBA funded a total of 16 NGOs to organise youth entrepreneurship projects, providing capital subsidy to about 230 youth start-ups (involving more than 800 Hong Kong young entrepreneurs) and rendering entrepreneurial support and incubation services to about 4 000 young people; whereas the Funding Scheme for Experiential Programmes at Innovation and Entrepreneurial Bases in the GBA funded a total of 15 NGOs to organise short-term experiential projects at the entrepreneurial bases in the Mainland cities of the GBA, which are estimated to benefit about 700 young people. (HAB)

Relieved the short-term accommodation needs of working youth under the Youth Hostel Scheme (YHS) through measures including relaxing the requirement to allow YHS tenants to apply for PRH, commencing the operation of the first youth hostel in Tai Po in 2020, and starting the construction of three youth hostels in Yuen Long, Sheung Wan and Jordan, with the largest one in Yuen Long to commence operation in 2022 to provide 1 680 places. All youth hostel projects will provide a total of around 3 300 places. (HAB) Pioneered the Space Sharing Scheme for Youth in 2017. So far, 12 projects have been rolled out to provide floor space of about 150 000 square feet in total to youth entrepreneurs and artists at concessionary rental with relevant ancillary support, benefiting more than 5 000 persons. (HAB)

Enhanced the breadth and depth of youth exchange and internship programmes, benefiting over 70 000 participants each year. In particular, Thematic Youth Internship Programmes to the Mainland were expanded from two programmes in 2017 to a total of seven in 2019, with five more in the pipeline; (HAB) United Nations Volunteers-Hong Kong Universities Volunteer Internship Programme was further expanded to sponsor 30 Hong Kong university students per cycle to take up short-term work assignments in United Nations agencies in more overseas destinations; (HAB) Scheme on Corporate Summer Internship on the Mainland and Overseas launched in 2018 provides quality internship opportunities outside Hong Kong to more than 200 students every year; (HAB) and The Economic and Trade Office Programme for higher education students, through which over 500 overseas internship opportunities were arranged in the past five years. (CEDB) Signed Working Holiday Scheme arrangements with the Netherlands and Italy in 2018 and 2019 respectively, thereby expanding the scheme to cover 14 countries. So far, about 97 000 Hong Kong youngsters and over 14 000 overseas young people have benefited from the scheme. (LWB)

Regularised the Member Self-recommendation Scheme for Youth (MSSY). So far, 50 ASBs have joined the MSSY providing a total of 101 seats. At present, around 440 posts are held by young people who have been appointed to ASBs directly or indirectly through MSSY. The overall ratio of youth members in ASBs has increased from 7.8% in 2017 to 14.8% as at mid-2021 and is gradually moving towards the target of 15% set by the current-term Government. (HAB) Increased the recurrent subvention for 13 subvented bodies, including 11 uniformed groups and two NGOs involved in youth development, by around $10 million from 2019-20 onwards, to enhance support for their youth development work. (HAB) Increased the number of offers for the Multi-faceted Excellence Scholarship to 40 to promote the culture of multi-faceted excellence. (HAB)

Set up in mid-2018 the Steering Committee on Ethnic Minority Affairs, chaired by the CS. Under its supervision, around 30 new measures to enhance support for ethnic minorities (EMs) have been rolled out, covering areas such as education, employment, social welfare, healthcare and social integration. (CSO)

Provided tiered subsidy for KGs under the kindergarten education scheme admitting non- Chinese speaking (NCS) students, as well as public sector ordinary schools and Direct Subsidy Scheme schools admitting NCS students with special educational needs (SEN). In the 2020/21 school year, about 5 700 NCS KG students as well as about 1 000 NCS primary and secondary students with SEN benefited. (EDB) Provided all schools admitting a relatively small number of NCS students (i.e. ordinary schools admitting less than 10 NCS students and special schools admitting less than six NCS students) with a new two-tiered subsidy with additional funding starting from the 2020/21 school year. About 400 schools benefited in the 2020/21 school year. (EDB) Provided NCS students with support for Chinese language learning, including provision of teacher professional development programmes, school-based professional support services and learning and teaching resources to facilitate the implementation of the Chinese Language Curriculum Second Language Learning Framework; and provided different language learning opportunities for NCS students to boost their confidence in learning Chinese. A longitudinal study to gauge NCS students' progress in learning Chinese language has started. (EDB) Strengthened education for NCS parents and helped them understand the importance of enrolling their children as early as possible in KGs using Chinese as the medium of instruction, enhance their communication with schools, and make suitable arrangements to cater for their children's daily learning. Provided a series of parent education programmes for parents of NCS students starting from the 2020/21 school year to help them support their children's learning, encourage their children to master Chinese language, and gain better understanding of the multiple pathways available to their children. (EDB)

Enhanced the training support for EMs by the ERB starting from 2019-20, including expanding the dedicated language and industry-specific training courses, and allowing more flexibility in the education attainment criteria for course enrolment. (LWB) Engaged an NGO in 2019-20 to raise EMs' awareness of domestic violence and sexual violence through community education programmes and encourage victims to seek help, expected to benefit some 400 EMs per year. (LWB) Commissioned NGOs to set up three outreaching teams with employment of EM staff in March 2020 to proactively reach out to EMs and connect those in need to mainstream welfare services. (LWB) Arranged translation and production of more publicity and educational materials to enable EMs to make better use of the services offered by the Department of Health and enhance the effectiveness of health education. (FHB) Enhanced the translation services for EMs in 2019-20, including addition of manpower and introduction of translation services in Vietnamese. The number of cases of translation services handled by the Centre for Harmony and Enhancement of Ethnic Minority Residents increased significantly from 5 500 cases in 2018-19 to over 9 200 cases in 2020-21. In respect of services for EM new arrivals and youths, the centre organised 692 orientation programmes and 514 youth programmes, which served about 12 800 and 6 700 EM new arrivals and youths respectively from April 2019 to June 2021. Since the launch of the District-based Programmes for Racial Harmony in 2019, NGOs have been funded to organise over 110 activities to encourage interaction and exchange between the EM and local communities, attracting more than 22 000 participants over the past two years. (HAB) Launched a three-year Ethnic Minority District Ambassador pilot scheme in nine districts with higher EM population in October 2020 to employ more EMs in the SWD and NGOs, enhance EM services of district centres/service units, and co-ordinate and deepen communication and co-operation with relevant stakeholders. (LWB) Commissioned two NGOs to implement the Racial Diversity Employment Programme since November 2020 to provide one-stop employment services for EM job seekers. As at end-August 2021, 481 EM job seekers have participated in the programme. (LWB)

Completed a comprehensive review of the Chinese language proficiency requirements for all civil service grades to provide more opportunities for EMs to seek employment in the Government. Launched an internship programme since 2019 for EM students. So far, about 80 EM post-secondary students have participated in the programme. (CSB) Enhanced the training on cultural sensitivity/equal opportunities for civil service new recruits and frontline staff. (CSB)

Enacted the Sex Discrimination (Amendment) Ordinance 2021 in March 2021 to enhance protection from harassment for breastfeeding women. (CMAB) Enacted the Discrimination Legislation (Miscellaneous Amendments) Ordinance 2020 in June 2020 to enhance protection from discrimination and harassment under the four anti-discrimination ordinances. (CMAB) Supported the Equal Opportunities Commission in stepping up its sexual harassment prevention effort, including setting up a dedicated Anti-Sexual Harassment Unit, which is tasked with conducting a holistic review of related legal protection, raising public awareness about sexual harassment, and acting as a first port of call for victims. (CMAB) Improved the Administrative Guidelines on Promotion of Racial Equality to provide guidance to all government bureaux and departments as well as related organisations on equal access to public services by all Hong Kong residents, regardless of their race. (CMAB)

Take forward the development of DHCs in Wong Tai Sin, Tuen Mun, Southern District, Yuen Long and Tsuen Wan and “DHC Expresses” in the rest of the 11 districts so as to expedite the provision of district-based primary healthcare services. (FHB)

Comprehensively review for better planning various aspects of primary healthcare development with a view to mapping out a blueprint for the sustainable development of primary healthcare services and launching a consultation exercise to listen to the views of stakeholders. (FHB)

Commence in 2022 the main phase of Hong Kong Genome Project, under which whole genome sequencing and analysis will be conducted for more patients having diseases with genetic predisposition and their family members. Around 50 000 whole genome sequencing will be conducted. Patients will benefit from more accurate diagnosis and more personalised treatment. In the long term, the Project will promote clinical application and innovative scientific research on genomic medicine locally. (FHB)

Review the implementation experience of the first Hong Kong Strategy and Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance (2017-2022) and draw up the second plan to map out response strategies for the next phase. (FHB)

Implement the Hong Kong Viral Hepatitis Action Plan 2020-2024 to reduce the number of people suffering from the disease. (FHB)

Take forward the preparatory work for the commissioning of the CMH, including signing the service deed, drawing up detailed design, procuring necessary furniture and equipment, and establishing the information technology systems, with a view to commencing services by phases from the second quarter of 2025. (FHB)

Take forward the preparatory work for the setting up of the permanent GCMTI, which is expected to be commissioned in 2025. (FHB)

Enhance Integrated Chinese-Western Medicine in-patient services at public hospitals by increasing the number of participating hospitals and disease areas, as well as regularising the services concerned to tie in with the policy direction of the long-term development of CM. (FHB)

Conduct a review on the overall implementation of the $500 million Chinese Medicine Development Fund with a view to further enhancing the funding schemes and utilisation of resources so as to support the CM sector in a more effective and targeted manner. (FHB)

Explore empowering CM practitioners to prescribe diagnostic imaging (such as X-ray) and laboratory tests for their patients, with a view to furthering the long-term development of the CM practice sector. (FHB)

Provide a dedicated structure in the HA to facilitate more institutions to explore the potential use of healthcare data for R&D collaboration with the HA, and make use of a wider network of the HA hospitals for research and clinical trial purposes. (FHB)

Follow up with the relevant statutory Boards and Councils on various recommendations in the Report of the Strategic Review on Healthcare Manpower Planning and Professional Development promulgated in 2017, and urge them to implement recommendations which have already been discussed at length, including patients' direct access to healthcare professionals (including physiotherapists and occupational therapists) without doctors' referral, and mandatory continuing professional education/continuing professional development. (FHB) Modernise the regulatory structure and enhance the professional standard of the relevant healthcare professions by, among others, updating the composition of the statutory regulatory bodies to achieve minimum lay membership of 25%. (FHB)

Incorporate the planning ratios of long-term residential care, day rehabilitation, pre-school rehabilitation and community support services concerned into the Hong Kong Planning Standards and Guidelines in 2021-22. (LWB)

Construct a cremation facility and a Garden of Remembrance dedicated to abortuses near Kwai Chung Crematorium for completion by end of 2021 and commission the services in the first quarter of 2022. (FHB) Introduce legislation to implement procedural reforms to the family justice system to reduce time and costs for affected parties. (CSO)

Take forward legislative work on a mandatory reporting mechanism for child abuse cases, with the target of introducing a Bill into the LegCo in the first half of 2023. Practitioners in the relevant professions will receive appropriate training to enhance their capacity for early identification and handling of child abuse cases. (LWB) Take forward the Law Reform Commission recommendation published in September 2021 on causing or allowing the death of a child. (LWB)

Explore the feasibility of integrating the Pilot Project on Tier 1 Support Services in KGs/KG-cum-CCCs with OPRS to provide more comprehensive, flexible and ongoing support to cater for the training needs of pre-school children with different levels of special needs. (LWB)

Merge the Normal and Higher OALA in the second half of 2022 so that the more lenient asset limits of the Normal OALA will be adopted across-the-board, and eligible applicants will receive payment at the Higher OALA rate. The initiative will benefit about 50 000 elderly persons who are receiving the Normal OALA. New applicants will also receive OALA payment at the higher rate. (LWB) Explore extending the Residential Care Services Scheme in Guangdong to cover other residential care homes for the elderly in Mainland cities within the GBA operated by non-governmental or private organisations of Hong Kong with a good track record in such services. (LWB) Explore relaxing the absence limit under the Social Security Allowance Scheme to provide greater flexibility for the elderly retiring in the Mainland who intend to apply for relevant allowances (including the Old Age Allowance and the OALA). (LWB) Complete the study on support for carers, and explore how government resources deployed could be consolidated (including the Pilot Scheme on Community Care Service Voucher for the Elderly and other relevant services), with a view to providing more support for the carers of frail elderly persons and persons with disabilities. (LWB) Introduce amendment bill into the LegCo in 2022 to improve the quality of services provided by residential care homes for the elderly and persons with disabilities. (LWB)

Introduce relevant bills into the LegCo in the 2022-23 legislative year to take forward the abolition of the “offsetting” arrangement under the MPF System. Refine the Government subsidy scheme to provide more targeted assistance to employers (especially micro, small and medium-sized enterprises) to adapt to the policy change. (LWB) Further strengthen protection of workers' occupational safety and health, including promoting the adoption of Construction Design and Management in construction works and amending the relevant legislation to raise penalties for committing occupational safety and health offences. (LWB) Launch a Pilot Rehabilitation Programme for Employees Injured at Work in 2022 to facilitate injured employees' early recovery and return to work. (LWB) Collaborate with the property management and construction industries to promote the use of light-duty working platforms for minor renovation and repair works carried out in residential units, in order to promote safety of above-ground work. (LWB) Collaborate with the concerned industries to implement health-friendly measures at workplace, in order to encourage property management employees and construction workers to properly manage their health and risks of contracting cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. (LWB) Review the Code of Practice for Employment Agencies to examine its effectiveness and promote professionalism and service quality of employment agencies. (LWB) Review the continuous contract requirement under the Employment Ordinance (Cap. 57). (LWB)

Enhance efforts to impart correct information on drug harms, including fostering closer collaboration with medical professional bodies to explain drug harms more pervasively to members of the public, and revamping the Hong Kong Jockey Club Drug InfoCentre by mid-2022 to provide visitors with comprehensive anti-drug information. On school education, we will co-operate with schools to help students understand drug harms correctly and stay vigilant against the lure of taking drugs and taking part in illegal acts related to drugs. (SB, EDB)

Invite the YDC to explore the introduction of a new funding scheme to subsidise eligible NGOs to organise projects that are conducive to nurturing young people's positive thinking, particularly those projects which involve cross-sectoral efforts or are youth-led and could drive community building. (HAB) Subject to the outcome of the pilot scheme launched in July 2021, roll out a brand-new thematic funding scheme on outdoor adventure training activities for more NGOs to provide systematic and quality outdoor adventure training activities for young people. (HAB)

Establish an Alliance of Hong Kong Youth Innovative and Entrepreneurial Bases in the Greater Bay Area. Organisations from Guangdong and Hong Kong with proven track record, such as entrepreneurial hubs, universities, NGOs, scientific research institutes, professional bodies, venture funds, etc. will be invited to join the alliance and jointly set up a one-stop information, publicity and exchange platform to support Hong Kong youth entrepreneurs in the GBA. (HAB)

Further enhance the breadth and depth of our Mainland and overseas internship and exchange programmes, e.g. the Thematic Youth Internship Programmes to the Mainland in collaboration with scientific research and cultural institutions in the Mainland so as to help Hong Kong young people gain a better understanding of and seize the opportunities in our Motherland as well as participate in the overall development of the country. (HAB)

AAHK - Airport Authority Hong Kong AAIL - Asian Academy of International Law AALCO - Asian-African Legal Consultative Organization AEF - Anti-epidemic Fund API - application programming interface ApL - Applied Learning ASB - advisory and statutory body ASD - autism spectrum disorder AV - Autonomous Vehicle B&R - Belt and Road BIM - building information modelling BUD Fund - Dedicated Fund on Branding, Upgrading and Domestic Sales C&A - child & adolescent CAC - Child Assessment Centre CCC - child care centre CCM - Cancer Case Manager CEDB - Commerce and Economic Development Bureau CEF - Continuing Education Fund CEO - Chief Executive's Office CEPA - Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement CIIF - Community Investment and Inclusion Fund CITF - Construction Innovation and Technology Fund CLNPJ - non-Permanent Judge from another common law jurisdiction CM - Chinese medicine CMAB - Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Bureau CMCTR - Chinese Medicine Clinic cum Training and Research Centre CMH - Chinese Medicine Hospital CS - Chief Secretary for Administration CSB - Civil Service Bureau CSEP - civil service eligible person CSI - CreateSmart Initiative CSO - Chief Secretary for Administration's Office CSPO - Chief Secretary for Administration's Private Office CSSA - Comprehensive Social Security Assistance CTF - Community Treatment Facility CTN - compulsory testing notice CUHK - The Chinese University of Hong Kong CVC - Community Vaccination Centre DC - District Council DCV - diesel commercial vehicle DEVB - Development Bureau DHC - District Health Centre DoJ - Department of Justice DSE - Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education Examination DSS - Direct Subsidy Scheme EC - Election Committee EDB - Education Bureau EdUHK - The Education University of Hong Kong EffO - Efficiency Office EM - ethnic minority EMF - SME Export Marketing Fund ENB - Environment Bureau EPD - Environmental Protection Department ERB - Employees Retraining Board ESG - Environmental, Social and Governance ETCZ - Economic and Trade Co-operation Zone ETO - Economic and Trade Office FATF - Financial Action Task Force FC - Finance Committee of the Legislative Council FCAS - Fintech Career Accelerator Scheme FDF - Film Development Fund FHB - Food and Health Bureau FIRST - Financial Industry Recruitment Scheme for Tomorrow FiT - Feed-in Tariff FPTA - Federation of PTAs FSTB - Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau FTA - free trade agreement GBA - Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area GCMTI - Government Chinese Medicines Testing Institute GFS - Government Flying Service GIC - Government, Institution or Community GSH - Green Form Subsidised Home Ownership Scheme HA - Hospital Authority HAB - Home Affairs Bureau HKCH - Hong Kong Children's Hospital HKDC - Hong Kong Design Centre HKECIC - Hong Kong Export Credit Insurance Corporation HKEX - Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited HKHA - Hong Kong Housing Authority HKHS - Hong Kong Housing Society HKIA - Hong Kong International Airport HKMA - Hong Kong Monetary Authority HKSAR - Hong Kong Special Administrative Region HKSHCL - Hong Kong Settlers Housing Corporation Limited HKSTPC - Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation HKTDC - Hong Kong Trade Development Council HOS - Home Ownership Scheme HSITP - Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park HZMB - Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge I&D - investigation and design I&T - innovation and technology IA - investment agreement IB - industrial building ICAC - Independent Commission Against Corruption ILS - Insurance-linked Securities IP - intellectual property IPO - initial public offering IT - information technology ITB - Innovation and Technology Bureau KG - kindergarten LandsD - Lands Department LD - Labour Department LegCo - Legislative Council LIFA - Low-income Working Family Allowance LRC - Law Reform Commission LTV - loan-to-value LWB - Labour and Welfare Bureau MiC - Modular Integrated Construction MoU - Memorandum of Understanding MPF - Mandatory Provident Fund MSSY - Member Self-recommendation Scheme for Youth MSW - municipal solid waste MTRCL - MTR Corporation Limited NCS - non-Chinese speaking NDA - New Development Area NEC - New Engineering Contract NGO - non-governmental organisation NMTSS - Non-means-tested Subsidy Scheme for Self-financing Undergraduate Studies in Hong Kong NSA - national sports association NSC - Committee for Safeguarding National Security of the HKSAR NSL - National Security Law NTN - New Territories North OALA - Old Age Living Allowance ODR - Online Dispute Resolution OGP - Original Grant Patent OPRS - On-site Pre-school Rehabilitation Services P&E - planning and engineering PASS - Professional Services Advancement Support Scheme PDA - Post-dispatch Advice PIC - person in custody PICO - Policy Innovation and Co-ordination Office PLB - public light bus PoC - proof-of-concept PRH - public rental housing PTA - Parent-Teacher Association PV - photovoltaic QEF - Quality Education Fund R&D - research and development RCHD - Residential Care Home for Persons with Disabilities RE - renewable energy REF - Research Endowment Fund RMB - Renminbi RPg - research postgraduate RTHK - Radio Television Hong Kong SADF - Sustainable Agricultural Development Fund SARS - Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome SB - Security Bureau SBEPS - School-based Educational Psychology Service SBST - school-based speech therapist SCCC - Special Child Care Centre SCSC - specialised co-parenting support centre SDU - subdivided unit SEHK - Stock Exchange of Hong Kong SEN - special educational needs SENCO - Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator SFDF - Sustainable Fisheries Development Fund SFGS - SME Financing Guarantee Scheme SH - Starter Homes SME - small and medium enterprise SSF - subsidised sale flat SSSDP - Study Subsidy Scheme for Designated Professions/Sectors ST/LMC DN - San Tin/Lok Ma Chau Development Node SWD - Social Welfare Department TCNTE - Tung Chung New Town Extension TFLS - Task Force on Land Supply THB - Transport and Housing Bureau UGC - University Grants Committee UK - United Kingdom UNCITRAL - United Nations Commission on International Trade Law UNESCO - United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization URA - Urban Renewal Authority VHIS - Voluntary Health Insurance Scheme VPET - Vocational and Professional Education and Training VTC - Vocational Training Council WELS - Water Efficiency Labelling Scheme WFA - Working Family Allowance WKCD - West Kowloon Cultural District WSD - Water Supplies Department WSM - White Form Secondary Market Scheme WSP - Water Safety Plan WTO - World Trade Organization YA - Youth Ambassador YDC - Youth Development Commission YHS - Youth Hostel Scheme 3D - three-dimensional $2 Scheme - Public Transport Fare Concession Scheme for the Elderly and Eligible Persons with Disabilities