Second session on “Spirit of the President’s Important Speech” held by Civil Service Bureau (with photos)

     Following the first session last week, the Civil Service Bureau today (July 11) held the second session on "Spirit of the President's Important Speech" at the Central Government Offices. The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, attended as keynote speaker, so as to enable the participants to obtain a deeper understanding of the spirit of the President's important speech.

     President Xi Jinping delivered an important speech on 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 Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR). He raised "four musts" for the new administration: we must fully and faithfully implement the principle of "one country, two systems"; we must uphold the Central Government's overall jurisdiction while securing the HKSAR's high degree of autonomy; we must ensure that Hong Kong is administered by patriots; and we must maintain Hong Kong's distinctive status and advantages. President Xi also laid down "four proposals" for the newly inaugurated Government, i.e. further improving its governance, continuing to create strong impetus for growth, earnestly addressing people's concerns and difficulties in daily life, and working together to safeguard harmony and stability.

     Mr Lee reiterated at the session that President Xi's important speech was of high significance as an important milestone, and provided crucial guidance on governance by the HKSAR Government in the coming five years. He encouraged the top echelon and civil servants of the HKSAR Government to grasp the core essence of President Xi's important speech, build it into their own work, join efforts to enhance governance capacity and efficacy, and enhance Hong Kong's competitiveness. He also encouraged the officials to centre their work on easing people's hardship, create harmony and stability in the community, and respect and safeguard the country's fundamental systems on their own volition.

     The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, also shared his thoughts and feelings at the session. Some other participants shared their views at the session as well.

     The session today was attended by over 200 participants, mainly comprising civil servants at the rank of Directorate Pay Scale Point 3 or above and officers at the rank of Administrative Officer Staff Grade C.

     The Civil Service Bureau will run further sessions, so as to enable more civil servants to obtain a deeper understanding of the spirit of the President's important speech.