The year 2022 marks the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), as well as a major milestone in the implementation of the principle of “One Country, Two Systems”. This year also bears remarkable significance to me, as I began my tenure as the sixth-term Chief Executive of the HKSAR on 1 July. While it is a great personal honour, I fully realise the heavy responsibility that comes with it.

At the meeting celebrating the 25th anniversary of Hong Kong’s return to the Motherland and the inaugural ceremony of the sixth-term Government of the HKSAR, President Xi Jinping raised “four musts” and laid down “four proposals” for this term of Government. President Xi’s speech sets the agenda for good governance and development of Hong Kong, and provides compelling guidance on our governance in the coming five years.

The next five years will indeed be crucial for Hong Kong to advance from governance to prosperity. I will, as pledged at the inaugural ceremony, strive to implement comprehensively and accurately the principles of “One Country, Two Systems”, “Hong Kong people administering Hong Kong” and a high degree of autonomy, to safeguard the constitutional order of the HKSAR as defined under the Constitution and the Basic Law, to safeguard our country’s sovereignty, national security and development interests, and to ensure the long-term prosperity and stability of Hong Kong.

The civil service is the backbone of the governing team. It contributes greatly to good governance, as well as the stability and prosperity of Hong Kong. Indeed, the HKSAR Government’s efficiency has long been ranked the first or second globally in reports made by international and independent bodies — worthy testimony to the diligence and excellence of our civil service. As the Chief Executive, I attach importance to team culture and result-oriented governance. I endeavour to enhance leadership at the senior level of the Government, set clear objectives, and review procedures and bring them up-to-date, so as to better unleash the potential of our civil service and achieve the synergy of “one plus one is greater than two”. Such efforts would strengthen our capacity to cope with the challenges ahead

With the staunch support of our country, I am fully confident in the future of the HKSAR. It is my belief that in unity the civil service will render excellent support to the Government for the administration of Hong Kong, and better manifest the strength of “One Country, Two Systems”. Let us join hands to start a new chapter for Hong Kong!

(John KC Lee)
Chief Executive