HKPC Welcomes the Passage of the Safeguarding National Security Bill Strengthening the Foundation of the Rule of Law Ushering the New Chapter of Hong Kong into International Innovation and Technology Centre

(Hong Kong, 20 March 2024) The Legislative Council yesterday (19 March) unanimously passed the "Safeguarding National Security Bill", marking the effective fulfillment of the constitutional responsibility stipulated in Article 23 of the Basic Law. This strengthens the foundation of the rule of law in Hong Kong, fortifies the security defense line, and safeguards the high-quality development of the city's future economy and society. The Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC) welcomes the passage of the Safeguarding National Security Bill and is confident in the bright prospects of Hong Kong's development. HKPC is delighted to witness the city entering a new stage of development, focusing on economic growth, seeking development opportunities, benefiting the people's livelihoods, actively fostering new productive forces, accelerating Hong Kong into an international innovation and technology (I&T) centre, and achieving better integration into the national development framework.

Hon Sunny TAN, Chairman of HKPC thanked the HKSAR Government, members of the Legislative Council and the diverse sectors of the community for their concerted efforts in facilitating the passage of the legislation today. Hon Sunny TAN pointed out that, “We fully support the successful enactment of the National Security Bill, which is in line with the prevailing practice of the global community, responsive to public sentiment, and fulfils the constitutional responsibility of the HKSAR Government, enables Hong Kong to better guard against and respond to various security risks, including new challenges in the economy, technology and emerging industries, ensures that the 'One Country, Two Systems' principle will be implemented in a stable and far-reaching manner, it leverages the city’s unique advantages of strong support from the country and extensive global connections, thereby fostering a favorable business environment. The Bill's primary objective is to create a conducive business environment and provide robust institutional protection for the promotion of the I&T industry and new industrialisation in Hong Kong. It aims to enhance global competitiveness, strengthen competitive advantages, unleash new development momentum, improve the well-being of the people, and achieve high-quality development.”

He further remarked that, “The rule of law is the cornerstone of Hong Kong’s success. There is a consensus among the industrial, business, and I&T sectors that Hong Kong's transformation into an international I&T centre necessitates a safe and stable environment. Going forward, HKPC remains steadfast in providing unwavering support to the HKSAR Government adhering to law-based administration. HKPC will actively promote the development of new productive forces and facilitate the advancement of new industrialisation in Hong Kong. Moreover, HKPC aims to foster deeper collaboration in technology between the Mainland and overseas, establishing strong connections with leading I&T resources worldwide. By playing a pivotal role, HKPC will propel Hong Kong's rapid development as an international I&T centre. Additionally, HKPC will work towards integrating Hong Kong into the broader context of the Greater Bay Area and the 'Belt and Road' initiative while accelerating its integration into national development.”

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Hon Sunny TAN, Chairman of HKPC welcomes the passage of the Safeguarding National Security Bill, fully supports the HKSAR Government's practical implementation of its constitutional duty to safeguard national security and is confident in the bright prospects of Hong Kong's development. HKPC is delighted to witness the city is focusing on striving a vibrant economy for a caring community, actively fostering new productive forces, accelerating the development of Hong Kong into an international I&T centre, and achieving better integration into the national development framework.

HKPC is a multi-disciplinary organisation established by statute in 1967, to promote productivity excellence through relentless drive of world-class advanced technologies and innovative service offerings to support Hong Kong enterprises. Being a key enabler of Industry 4.0 and Enterprise 4.0, HKPC promotes new industrialisation in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area and facilitates the development of new quality productive forces, leveraging I&T, as well as bolstering Hong Kong to be an international I&T centre and a smart city.