Chief Executive John Lee said on Thursday that he hopes the SAR government's ideas to get more mainlanders to visit Hong Kong will "materialise soon". In his Policy Address on Wednesday, Lee said the central government is pro-actively studying suggestions including the resumption of multiple-entry visas for Shenzhen residents and expanding the number of cities that grant visas for weekly visits to the SAR. At a Legco question and answer session on the address, retail sector lawmaker Peter Shiu brought up the issue of visas, saying restaurants and shops are facing major challenges amid a sluggish economy. Lee said he hopes announcements can be made soon. "In our discussions with the central authorities, we adopt a pragmatic attitude, so we only put forward measures that work. Of course, we are not at liberty to reveal the measures that we are exploring," he said. Meanwhile, Third Side lawmaker Tik Chi-yuen expressed concern that the wealth gap in Hong Kong is widening. He said economic development might be hindered because "a good number of residents" don't actively participate in society and lack a sense of belonging. In response, Lee said it's normal for there to be various views in society and there is no need to exaggerate the differences. He stressed that he wants to build an inclusive and caring society, and said the government always keeps an open mind and is willing to listen to different views. "There are always pointed questions or critical questions raised at press conferences and we will always try to answer those questions," Lee said. "If you come up with suggestions on ways to improve, some are well-intentioned and some are really poignant criticisms. And many of these actually become a part of the new measures in the Policy Address." The CE also noted that Canada's Fraser Institute has ranked the SAR as the world's freest economy in its latest report, saying this means people can engage in any economic activity in Hong Kong and be afforded the greatest level of freedom under local laws.
