Chief Executive Carrie Lam welcomed the Legislative Council Finance Committee’s passage of the Government’s funding application for the sixth round of the Anti-epidemic Fund (AEF) today.

She tasked relevant government departments with implementing the various support measures at full steam.

The Chief Executive thanked the LegCo Finance Committee for expeditiously approving the funding application of $27 billion for the fund's sixth round today, after four and a half hours' discussion, upon the Government’s submission of a formal funding application yesterday.

It is a testimony to LegCo members’ readiness to address people's pressing needs and the co-operative spirit between the executive and the legislature to serve members of the public in a pragmatic manner, Mrs Lam added.

Following the announcement of the various support schemes under the fifth-round AEF in early January, the Government announced the sixth round on January 27 to provide further support.

Mrs Lam said she has requested the government departments involved in the execution of various schemes to seriously consider LegCo members’ views so as to maximise the benefits.

As at February 11, about one-third of the funding under the fifth-round AEF, or around $1.1 billion, has been disbursed to the eligible enterprises and individuals.

The sixth round comprises 48 schemes which are estimated to benefit 67,000 businesses, operators of 40,000 transport tools and 750,000 individuals.

Mrs Lam noted that the Financial Secretary will deliver the 2022-23 Budget on February 23 and she believed that he would take into account legislators’ suggestions when formulating it.

“With the full support of the central government and the co-operation of the community, the Government will stand up to the challenge with unwavering determination and strong faith to lead Hong Kong out of the epidemic.

“May I once again appeal to members of the public to stay confident during this difficult time, support the Government’s anti-epidemic work, and get vaccinated as soon as possible or in a timely manner to facilitate the implementation of the ‘vaccine pass’ initiative to be launched later this month.

“Let us all join hands to fight the epidemic.”