Chief Executive John Lee said today the Government will reach out to traditional and emerging markets to publicise Hong Kong’s opportunities and strengths.

Delivering his first Policy Address, Mr Lee said as an externally-oriented economy, Hong Kong must look for opportunities beyond the city and be adept at telling the world good stories about itself, which would allow the city to shine.

“With an intricate and volatile international political environment, certain external forces have been deliberately spearing our country and distorting the situation in Hong Kong.

“We have to present the true picture of Hong Kong to the world and promote our strengths, achievements and opportunities, and that the city is a good place where people can make their dreams come true.”

Mr Lee said the Government will take full advantage of community efforts to tell those stories.

He and other principal officials will lead overseas delegations, including the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Economic Leaders' Meeting in November and the "Think Business, Think Hong Kong" campaign in Thailand next year organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC).

The Financial Secretary will lead a task force, together with a team comprising business leaders, the HKTDC, the Hong Kong Tourism Board to visit traditional and emerging markets to rebuild Hong Kong’s image and branding through proactively establishing multilateral ties.

The task force will also launch a new visitors' programme, inviting around 1,000 prominent political, business and media leaders from the Mainland and overseas to visit Hong Kong and brief them about the city’s latest developments.

In addition, the task force will work on showcasing the strengths of Hong Kong in a more multi-faceted and comprehensive manner via extensive multimedia channels and networks.

Separately, government departments and relevant organisations will promote Hong Kong's strengths through diversified activities.

The Financial Services Development Council and Invest Hong Kong will launch a global marketing campaign, presenting Hong Kong's prospects and opportunities as a bridge connecting the Mainland and the rest of the world.

Radio Television Hong Kong will enhance its cross-media multi-language broadcasting to keep expatriates in Hong Kong as well as people in the Mainland and overseas apprised of the latest developments and appeal of Hong Kong.

The Government’s Mainland Offices will encourage and support representatives from professional fields and sectors to visit the Mainland.

Hong Kong professional bodies may apply for funding under the Professional Services Advancement Support Scheme to visit the Mainland and overseas countries to promote their professional services, broadening the international perspectives of our professionals, particularly the young generation, and showcase Hong Kong as a vibrant and thriving city, Mr Lee added.