We stand at the beginning of another year since the COVID-19 virus first emerged. As the pandemic rages around the world and Hong Kong battles its fifth wave of infections, there remains much to be hopeful for.
First, peace and stability has returned to Hong Kong after two challenging years. It has just successfully completed two important elections and will soon conduct the third election that for the Chief Executive. After the elections comes the continuing work of implementing public policies and passing legislation, to address immediate concerns as well as longer term challenges. I am confident that as Hong Kong turns a new page, this resilient city will rise to the challenge and put in place effective public policies to position itself for the future.
Second, I am confident that Hong Kong will reap tremendous benefits from further integration with the Mainland through the 14th Five-Year Plan and the Greater Bay Area (GBA). To this end, the proposed Northern Metropolis promises to be a game changer. I see great potential in deepening cooperation between Singapore and Hong Kong, with Hong Kong serving as the key node for the GBA and mainland China, and Singapore as the hub for South and Southeast Asia. Both cities are well positioned to facilitate the growing trade and investment links in the region.
Third, on the healthcare front, I am confident that with collective will, decisive action and concerted efforts from everyone, Hong Kong will once again triumph over the current wave of infections just as it did in the previous waves. Hong Kong has a combination of a rigorous testing regime and strict border controls. It has also worked hard to achieve a vaccination rate of 70 percent. With better vaccination rates, including among the elderly and children, the city will be better equipped to tackle the pandemic, and can look forward to the eventual reopening of borders and resumption of daily life.
In Singapore, we have taken a different approach, due to a different set of circumstances. With 88 percent of our population vaccinated as of January 2022, we have worked to resume international travel gradually, including through the introduction of Vaccinated Travel Lanes (VTLs). More importantly, we see the pandemic as an opportunity to reinvent ourselves. In fact, since the pandemic first emerged, we have always sought not just to recover from the public health and economic crises but to emerge stronger. I am confident that Hong Kong too will be able to seize the opportunities in a post COVID-19 world. Similar to before and during the pandemic, Singapore stands ready to partner Hong Kong in this new stage of development.
The Tiger is a symbol of bravery and strength in Chinese culture. As we enter the Year of the Tiger together, I am confident that even as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to test our collective resolve, both Singapore and Hong Kong will emerge stronger and more resilient. Wishing you and your loved ones a very happy Lunar New Year.
We stand at the beginning of another year since the COVID-19 virus first emerged. As the pandemic rages around the world and Hong Kong battles its fifth wave of infections, there remains much to be hopeful for.
First, peace and stability has returned to Hong Kong after two challenging years. It has just successfully completed two important elections and will soon conduct the third election that for the Chief Executive. After the elections comes the continuing work of implementing public policies and passing legislation, to address immediate concerns as well as longer term challenges. I am confident that as Hong Kong turns a new page, this resilient city will rise to the challenge and put in place effective public policies to position itself for the future.
Second, I am confident that Hong Kong will reap tremendous benefits from further integration with the Mainland through the 14th Five-Year Plan and the Greater Bay Area (GBA). To this end, the proposed Northern Metropolis promises to be a game changer. I see great potential in deepening cooperation between Singapore and Hong Kong, with Hong Kong serving as the key node for the GBA and mainland China, and Singapore as the hub for South and Southeast Asia. Both cities are well positioned to facilitate the growing trade and investment links in the region.
Third, on the healthcare front, I am confident that with collective will, decisive action and concerted efforts from everyone, Hong Kong will once again triumph over the current wave of infections just as it did in the previous waves. Hong Kong has a combination of a rigorous testing regime and strict border controls. It has also worked hard to achieve a vaccination rate of 70 percent. With better vaccination rates, including among the elderly and children, the city will be better equipped to tackle the pandemic, and can look forward to the eventual reopening of borders and resumption of daily life.
In Singapore, we have taken a different approach, due to a different set of circumstances. With 88 percent of our population vaccinated as of January 2022, we have worked to resume international travel gradually, including through the introduction of Vaccinated Travel Lanes (VTLs). More importantly, we see the pandemic as an opportunity to reinvent ourselves. In fact, since the pandemic first emerged, we have always sought not just to recover from the public health and economic crises but to emerge stronger. I am confident that Hong Kong too will be able to seize the opportunities in a post COVID-19 world. Similar to before and during the pandemic, Singapore stands ready to partner Hong Kong in this new stage of development.
The Tiger is a symbol of bravery and strength in Chinese culture. As we enter the Year of the Tiger together, I am confident that even as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to test our collective resolve, both Singapore and Hong Kong will emerge stronger and more resilient. Wishing you and your loved ones a very happy Lunar New Year.
