Celebrating the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the HKSAR,BPA published the 10th anniversary commemorative album

To celebrate the 25th anniversary of the HKSAR and the 10th anniversary of the BPA, a commemorative album entitled “Walking Together and Building a Better Home in Hong Kong” was duly published. The album captures important events in the history of the BPA since its establishment ten years ago, and also expresses the BPA’s best wishes for the steadfast and successful implementation of “One Country, Two Systems”. The album, full of texts and pictures introducing the BPA’s ten-year history in simple terms, was applauded by political and business leaders alike. They said that the album acted as an “encyclopedia” for a comprehensive and in-depth understanding of the BPA.

BPA held Forum on “Studying the Spirit of President Xi’s Important Speech”

Celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, President Xi Jinping delivered an important speech in Hong Kong on July 1. As such, BPA hosted a forum on July 4 to study the message conveyed by President Xi. BPA members joining the forum include Peter Lam, the Executive Committee Chairman; Andrew Leung, the Honorary Chairman; Dr Lo Wai Kwok, the Chairman; Jeffrey Lam and Dr Priscilla Leung, the Vice Chairmen. Besides, Benson Luk, the Vice Chairman of the BPA Committee on Youth; Sunny Tan, Legislative Council Member and other members from the BPA Committee on Youth, professional committees and regional districts also joined the event. All members actively shared their learnings of President Xi’s speech. Furthermore, they discussed how they would weave the gist of President Xi’s address into the fabric of their work to better address Hong Kong’s economy, quality of life, youth and housing affairs.

Interpretation reflects the legislative intent of the law(Priscilla Leung)

Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu requested an interpretation of the National Security Law for Hong Kong (NSL) from the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress (NPCSC) over a legal matter arising from whether Timothy Owen, a British barrister who is not qualified to practice law in Hong Kong, may act as counsel for Jimmy Lai Chee-ying in a case involving points of national security. The NPCSC after hearing a report from Xia Baolong, director of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, promulgated an interpretation on Dec 30, 2022, over the matter.

BPA members meeting Hong Kong’s incoming leader John Lee, proposing “people-based” development to enhance their sense of satisfaction

The core members of BPA met with the sixth-term Chief Executive-elect, Mr John Lee,  to exchange views on the work of the new-term government on May 16. BPA members put forward a series of suggestions and expectations, covering topics such as integration into the national development, economic and livelihood initiatives, and the development of youth etc. After the meeting, Chairman of BPA Dr Lo Wai Kwok said in a speech to the media that BPA hoped John Lee would lead the new-term government to be people-oriented, focusing on development and pursuing good governance. More importantly, the government should work hard on restoring normal customs clearance between Hong Kong and the Mainland or even foreign countries so as to speed up economic recovery after the epidemic. Dr Lo also revealed that John Lee had responded positively to some of the suggestions put forward by BPA by requesting more information in order to swiftly respond to public demands.

Honorable Members of the BPA distribute anti-epidemic service bags to “three-nil” private buildings in Jordan

In order for the public to receive the anti-epidemic service bags as soon as possible, Honorable Members of the BPA Andrew Leung, Dr Lo Wai Kwok, Jeffrey Lam, Dr Priscilla Leung, Jimmy Ng, Benson Luk and Legislative Council Member of the Textiles and Garment sector Sunny Tan were in Jordan today (April 2) with Jack Chan, The Acting Secretary for Home Affairs to distribute anti-epidemic service bags to “three-nil” building and subdivided flats households.

BPA Proposes Public Housing Redevelopment for Providing 250K Additional Units

The Business and Professionals Alliance for Hong Kong (BPA) established a feature study and proposed a scheme, “Public Housing Redevelopment for Providing 250K Additional Units”, suggesting the government redevelop 26 older estates in Hong Kong. The Alliance expected a minimum of 255,000 additional public housing units would be built, in order to ease the shortage of supply and improve the residents’ living environment as well. The redevelopment scheme could also create 190,000 job opportunities and stimulate economic growth.

BPA welcomes the second round of Anti-epidemic Fund measures

Hong Kong government announced the second round of the $137.5 billion Anti-epidemic Fund measures. The Business and Professionals Alliance for Hong Kong (BPA) welcomed the latest measures and expressed our appreciation and gratitude to the Administration that has listened to and accepted our suggestions. BPA believed the measures could help support enterprises, safeguard jobs and relieve people’s burden. Members of the Alliance urged the government to announce the details of the implementation of the measures as soon as possible.

BPA calls for MTR fare cuts by 20 to 30% for 9 months

COVID-19 epidemic jeopardizes Hong Kong people’s livelihood. Honorable Members of the Business and Professionals Alliance for Hong Kong (BPA) met with the Secretary for Transport and Housing Frank Chan Fan on March 9 to suggest the MTR Corporation to reduce fares by 20 to 30 percent for 9 months in order to alleviate the burden of travelling expenses on citizens. To tide the public over difficult times, the implementation period should be from April until the end of this year. BPA urged the government to cover related expenses by the dividend income from MTR.

BPA Urges Government to Grasp Golden Opportunity for Shek Kip Mei Estate Redevelopment

Some blocks of Shek Kip Mei Estate in Sham Shui Po were built almost 40 years ago and many flats were dilapidated. After holding a residents’ meeting previously, Honorable Members of the Business and Professionals Alliance for Hong Kong (BPA) invited Frank Chan Fan, Secretary for Transport and Housing, to a site visit on 3 June. Ir Dr Hon Lo Wai Kwok, chairman of BPA, said that the government should grasp the golden opportunity to redevelop the 9 remaining residential blocks excluded from the current redevelopment phases as well as facilitate local resettlement. This would be a win-win situation: the residents could live in their flats safely, and the government could ease the shortage of public housing units.

BPA Supports the “Co-location Arrangement” of High-speed Rail Link
as It Can Promote Seamless Integration of the Mainland and Hong Kong,
and Provides the Best Opportunity and the Most Convenient Way for the Hong Kong People

HKSAR Government announced on July 25 the “Co-location arrangement of Hong Kong Section of the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link”, which will follow the model of Shenzhen Bay Port, that three floors of the West Kowloon­terminus will be regarded as outside the territorial boundary of Hong Kong, and will be leased to mainland authorities to exercise jurisdiction.