Authorities stress on Northern Metropolis University Town development

Recalling the last four years, Chief Secretary for Administration Eric Chan said the current government completed large amounts of work ranging from Article 23 legislation to civil service reforms.

He stressed the administration will focus on the implementation of the first Five-Year Plan in the city with the development of the Northern Metropolis University Town being a priority.

Having visited Hong Kong during his inspection tour earlier this month, Director of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office Xia Baolong made his way to the selected site for the development of the Northern Metropolis University Town.

Speaking as the head of the working group on the planning and construction of the university town, Chief Secretary for Administration Eric Chan said the area will also provide other facilities supporting relevant industries.

Chan noted the government's partnership with industries on site does not stray away from the educational nature of the town, but rather provides new opportunities for businesses to settle in the area allowing students to assist them via research work.

Addressing the earlier report on the "Impact of Targeted Poverty Alleviation Strategy", the chief secretary for administration noted authorities have set seven focuses and 21 indices to find those most in need of help.

Meanwhile, speaking about reforms to the Civil Service including the introduction of a curve mechanism, some have questioned whether the measure could draw the ire of civil servants who may not see a pay rise if they fail to reach certain targets.

Chan stressed civil servants must continuously adapt as society progresses, but emphasised that the government will listen to the voices of civil servant labour unions.