HK Chief Executive pledges closer ties with Legislative Council

HONG KONG, Oct. 13 (Xinhua) -- Hong Kong Chief Executive Donald Tsang said on Thursday that he would hold more question-and-answer sessions with lawmakers as part of his drive to boost communications with the Legislative Council.

Taking questions from legislators on Thursday on his Policy Address delivered just one day ago, Tsang said the move will help him boost ties with the legislature and better serve Hong Kong people.

He said all principal officials will visit Beijing and other cities more frequently to enhance ties with the mainland.

Tsang called on legislators to visit the mainland cities, including Beijing, more often. He pledged to help make arrangements, if necessary.

To help Hong Kong people in the mainland, he agreed to follow-up on the suggestion of cooperating with the social welfare sector, which runs a network of offices there.

He reiterated his belief in a free economy and his trust in the business sector. However, he said a consensus must be reached before enacting laws on the issue, as Hong Kong's favorable business image could be ruined if it was not handled carefully. He will leave it to the Competition Policy Review Committee to study.

Tsang said Hong Kong's economy remains highly competitive and is among the freest, offering a better business environment than many other places. He said the local market will make adjustments in response to the recent upward trend in land prices.

He also called on legislators to discuss proposals in the coming Constitutional Development Task Force's fifth report with an open mind and on the basis of public opinion.

Source: Xinhua