The Chief Executive's Council of Advisers (CECA), chaired by Chief Executive John Lee, held luncheon meetings for three consecutive days, from July 9 to 11, to listen to the views expressed by advisers for the upcoming Policy Address and the overall development of Hong Kong.

Mr Lee pointed out that the three meeting sessions are the first for the new term of CECA members.

He noted that during the meetings, the advisers emphasised that Hong Kong is bestowed with its unique advantages of connecting with both the Mainland and the world, excellent education and research capabilities, and advantageous geographical location, and it is also an international financial centre with free flow of capital.

He highlighted that such advantages would greatly attract Mainland enterprises to list in Hong Kong and use the city as the gateway to go global.

The CECA conducted in-depth discussions on a range of important issues under three major themes, namely economic advancement and sustainability, innovation and entrepreneurship, and regional and global collaborations.

Mr Lee emphasised that members of the council are all distinguished and eminent leaders in their respective fields or internationally renowned scholars, experts or entrepreneurs.

He thanked all members for actively providing him with valuable insights and wise counsel regarding the current situation and vision for future developments of Hong Kong. These contributions have provided important references for the overall development strategies of Hong Kong and the upcoming Policy Address.

The three meeting sessions were chaired by the Chief Executive. Chief Secretary Chan Kwok-ki, Acting Financial Secretary Michael Wong, Acting Secretary for Justice Cheung Kwok-kwan, Director of the Chief Executive's Office Carol Yip and Head of the Chief Executive's Policy Unit Stephen Wong attended the three sessions respectively.

The Chief Executive will deliver his fourth Policy Address this September, for which the public consultation commenced on June 16.