6 key takeaways from John Lee’s policy address: from boosting Hong Kong property market and birth rate to oral health and breast-milk bank, no stone left unturned

Policy blueprint touches on raft of concerns, with proposals ranging from HK$20,000 handouts to boost birth rate to easing of stamp duties

Chief executive also prioritises more intensive global talent trawl and further capitalising on opportunities in the Greater Bay Area

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Officials handout copies of this year’s policy address in Wan Chai. Photo: Dickson Lee

Published: 5:12pm, 25 Oct 2023Updated: 9:10pm, 25 Oct 2023

Hong Kong’s leader has unveiled a raft of measures that touch on a wide spectrum of political, social and economic concerns as part of his second policy address, ranging from easing property curbs and offering handouts to promoting childbirth and enacting new national security legislation.

Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu shared his agenda at the Legislative Council on Wednesday and outlined a more intensive global talent trawl and plans to further seize opportunities in the Greater Bay Area as among his top priorities.

The duration of the address shattered the record he set last year as he spent three hours and 21 minutes outlining his policy blueprint for the city, exceeding his first speech by about 40 minutes.

There were many measures to highlight but here are six key takeaways that are likely to have an impact on every Hong Kong person.

6 key takeaways from John Lee’s policy address: from boosting Hong Kong property market and birth rate to oral health and breast-milk bank, no stone left unturned

Policy blueprint touches on raft of concerns, with proposals ranging from HK$20,000 handouts to boost birth rate to easing of stamp duties Chief executive also prioritises more intensive global talent trawl and further capitalising on opportunities in the Greater Bay Area

1. Easing property curbs

Policy blueprint touches on raft of concerns, with proposals ranging from HK$20,000 handouts to boost birth rate to easing of stamp duties

Chief executive also prioritises more intensive global talent trawl and further capitalising on opportunities in the Greater Bay Area