Working Reports

WK Lo’s LegCo Express
 

June 2025

1.    Moved a motion on “Establishing a top-level dedicated structure to devise a population policy”
At the LegCo meeting on 4 June, I moved a motion on “Establishing a top-level dedicated structure to devise a population policy”. According to the latest projections on Hong Kong’s future population and manpower, Hong Kong is facing challenges such as a persistently low birth rate, a continuous ageing trend in the population and a gradually declining labour force participation rate, and there will be serious manpower shortage in different industries and at different levels of the occupational hierarchy. In my motion, I urged the SAR Government to face up to the demographic changes in Hong Kong as early as possible and establish a top-level structure dedicated to devising a population policy, and through strengthening interdepartmental coordination and tying in with the development of the ‘eight centres’, to carry out comprehensive planning that meets the needs of different economic sectors and various public services, so as to promote short, medium and long-term population policies for the sustainable development of Hong Kong’s economy and society. My original motion and other amendments of LegCo members were supported and passed.

2.    Submitted 118 policy address recommendations to the Chief Executive
Together with some other LegCo members, I met the CE on 26 June to express our opinions for the 2025 Policy Address. At a time when Hong Kong is facing numerous internal and external challenges, we submitted a proposal with the theme of "Consolidate the Foundation, Embrace Change, Tackle Challenges, Boost the Economy, Benefit the People, Open a New Chapter." We have put forward around 118 recommendations across 12 key areas, urging the Government to accelerate the comprehensive development of the Northern Metropolis, strengthen and enhance Hong Kong’s status as the three major centres, align with the national 15th Five-Year Plan, step up efforts to stabilise the stock and property markets, and promote innovative development in sectors such as tourism, healthcare, and innovation and technology. 

3.    Raised a written question on “Application fee and visa fee for talent admission schemes”
On 18 June, I raised a written question on “Application fee and visa fee for talent admission schemes” at the LegCo meeting. I asked the Government to provide the number of persons charged a visa fee of $230 by the Immigration Department for visa applications under various talent admission schemes over the past three years; and whether the authorities will consider waiving the relevant visa fees for persons coming to Hong Kong for short-term employment. However, the government deemed the fees affordable, noting no decline in applications post-implementation. Please view my question and Government’s response via the following link:
https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202506/18/P2025061800250.htm?fontSize=3

4.    Released a research report on Building Hong Kong as a  Global Stablecoin Issuance Hub
The passage of the Stablecoins Bill by the LegCo in May establishes a licensing regime for fiat-referenced stablecoins (FRS) issuers in Hong Kong, and further enhances Hong Kong's regulatory framework on virtual-asset (VA) activities. On 19 June, together with some other LegCo members, I released a report on Building Hong Kong as a Global Stablecoin Issuance Hub, proposing six strategic recommendations to the Government. These include positioning Hong Kong as a global stablecoin issuance center, improving approval efficiency, expediting licenses for companies already in the regulatory sandbox, developing offshore RMB stablecoins, and expanding Hong Kong’s RMB liquidity pool. The aim is to support China’s goal of becoming a financial powerhouse while injecting stronger momentum into Hong Kong’s economy.
 

5.    Funding projects approved at the FC and PWSC meetings
At the FC meeting on 27 June, members approved a funding project of HK$303.8 million to conduct investigation and design, and carry out the associated site investigation works for the Hong Kong section of the “Hong Kong – Shenzhen Western Rail Link (Hung Shui Kiu – Qianhai). 

At the PWSC meeting on 10 June, a funding project of HK$12.93 billion was approved for relocation of Sha Tin Sewage Treatment Works to caverns – remaining works. This project, together with others, will be submitted to the FC for further approval.