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Thanks for your views

The 2020-21 Budget will be announced this Wednesday. During the consultation, some described this Budget as one of the toughest to be prepared and some even said "what a challenge to Paul!". Indeed, despite all the challenges, the content of the Budget has been finalised.

It has been a turbulent year for Hong Kong, with our external trade affected by trade tensions between China and US, followed by the violent events which eroded our society and well-being, in addition to the novel coronavirus epidemic, all forcing our economy into a “chilly winter”. Whilst we have sailed through many challenges and difficulties in the past, the anxiety coupled with new challenges and difficulties is unavoidable.

Looking back, the economy of Hong Kong could gradually get back on track after shocks, usually with a significant rebound after the toughest period. Providing support to the enterprises, safeguarding jobs and maintaining market confidence during the toughest times could help businesses get back on track and stabilise employment quickly upon economic recovery. With this in mind, supporting enterprises and safeguarding jobs would be our top priority under the current economic downturn.

For the coming Budget, people may focus on the relief measures or the scale of the Government's financial deficit. In fact, many measures in the Budget rooted from suggestions from the public and various sectors. Nonetheless, we could hardly satisfy the wishes of everyone with the public resources available. I must express my gratitude to all your suggestions, which facilitated my preparation for the Budget with focus on coming up with feasible solutions for issues of public concern.

February 23, 2020