In the past year, Hong Kong has made much progress in relaxing Covid-19 restrictions and taken significant steps to reopen, sending a strong message that Hong Kong is back on the world stage again. The city has also successfully hosted a series of international events, such as the Global Financial Leaders' Investment Summit, the Hong Kong Sevens and the Asia Cultural Cooperation Forum. There is strong optimism among the people of Hong Kong that the Asia's world city is returning to normality.
The past year has also been meaningful to Hong Kong people in many other ways. The Special Administrative Region celebrated its 25th anniversary. Chinese President Xi Jinping, in his speech on 1 July 2022, reaffirmed Hong Kong's irreplaceable role in China's development, and gave reassurance that the city would maintain its unique status and advantages under "one country, two systems". Together under a new administration led by Chief Executive John Lee, Hong Kong has clearly started a new chapter and is moving confidently towards economic recovery.
While there is a media narrative of Hong Kong and Singapore as direct competitors, both cities are in fact not in a zero-sum game, and all of us can be winners at the same time. Each city has its own distinct advantages, and we can grow together to support the vibrant Asian economy which has space to accommodate two or even more international business hubs. In fact, each side benefits most when the other is also prospering. Singapore is happy to see that Hong Kong is back to business, and we look forward to resuming our regular exchanges as well as deepening our collaboration.
As we usher in the year of the Rabbit, I believe all of us will be alert and quick witted like the rabbit, and able to navigate through this pandemic. I also want to take this opportunity to wish you and your loved ones a fruitful Lunar New Year!
In the past year, Hong Kong has made much progress in relaxing Covid-19 restrictions and taken significant steps to reopen, sending a strong message that Hong Kong is back on the world stage again. The city has also successfully hosted a series of international events, such as the Global Financial Leaders' Investment Summit, the Hong Kong Sevens and the Asia Cultural Cooperation Forum. There is strong optimism among the people of Hong Kong that the Asia's world city is returning to normality.
The past year has also been meaningful to Hong Kong people in many other ways. The Special Administrative Region celebrated its 25th anniversary. Chinese President Xi Jinping, in his speech on 1 July 2022, reaffirmed Hong Kong's irreplaceable role in China's development, and gave reassurance that the city would maintain its unique status and advantages under "one country, two systems". Together under a new administration led by Chief Executive John Lee, Hong Kong has clearly started a new chapter and is moving confidently towards economic recovery.
While there is a media narrative of Hong Kong and Singapore as direct competitors, both cities are in fact not in a zero-sum game, and all of us can be winners at the same time. Each city has its own distinct advantages, and we can grow together to support the vibrant Asian economy which has space to accommodate two or even more international business hubs. In fact, each side benefits most when the other is also prospering. Singapore is happy to see that Hong Kong is back to business, and we look forward to resuming our regular exchanges as well as deepening our collaboration.
As we usher in the year of the Rabbit, I believe all of us will be alert and quick witted like the rabbit, and able to navigate through this pandemic. I also want to take this opportunity to wish you and your loved ones a fruitful Lunar New Year!
