Beijing tour a learning opportunity: Starry Lee

Legislative Council President Starry Lee on Sunday said an "historic" Beijing study tour for the entire legislature would enable lawmakers to learn about the latest national developments. She made the remarks before departing for the capital with fellow lawmakers for the week-long study visit on national affairs. Speaking to the media at Hong Kong International Airport, Lee said lawmakers would visit the Hong Kong and Macao Work Office and attend lectures covering various topics including the country’s latest guiding principles for development, the formulation of five-year plans, international relations and national security. Legco members would also conduct on-site visits in areas such as new quality productive forces, artificial intelligence, aerospace and informational technology applications, she said. Lee said the SAR’s efforts to formulate its first five-year plan and the recent passage of the Huanggang port co-location bill marked a new milestone in Hong Kong’s integration into and service of national development. It’s now a good opportunity for lawmakers to learn about the latest development in the country in person, she said. “I think this first-hand study experience and information will certainly enhance lawmakers’ ability in scrutinising legislation in Hong Kong, enabling them to gain a better grasp of a broader picture,” Lee said. “We can also draw on the national experience for Hong Kong’s better performance – particularly in advancing the development of the Northern Metropolis and formulating Hong Kong’s first five-year plan. The experience in these areas will be helpful.” Lee said the study tour would lay a foundation for Hong Kong’s proactive alignment with the national 15th Five-Year Plan, so the SAR could better integrate into and serve national development. Edited by Tony Sabine