Hong Kong chief executive Carrie Lam says city’s next budget could be ‘full of surprises’

City’s top official says positive economic growth will help to create a ‘favourable business environment’

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Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor at the Chinese Manufacturers’ Association of Hong Kong’s 41st General Committee inauguration. Photo: K.Y. Cheng

Published: 8:30am, 9 Feb 2018Updated: 4:13pm, 21 Feb 2018

Hong Kong’s next budget could be “full of surprises” amid the city’s bright economic outlook, with economic growth set to surpass 3.7 per cent for 2017, the city’s leader has revealed.

Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor also promised to create a “favourable business environment” for local enterprises, citing the introduction of the two-tier tax system and the tax incentives for companies investing in innovation and technology.

The chief executive was addressing guests at the inauguration ceremony of the Chinese Manufacturers’ Association of Hong Kong, held on Thursday at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre in Wan Chai.

Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po with Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor at the inauguration ceremony. Photo: K.Y. Cheng

More money for Hong Kong to splash out with ‘considerably high’ HK$57.2 billion budget surplus, finance chief writes

Seeing a rosy picture for Hong Kong, Lam said: “Hong Kong’s overall economic performance has been satisfactory. The GDP is anticipated to go up by no less than 3.7 per cent in real terms for the entire [2017].