On 2 May 2023, the government announced a proposal to improve local governance. The proposal involved reforming the District Council election methods, the structure of District Councils and their functions and roles. Under the reform, 179 people with professional talents are to be elected as district councillors in accordance with the Chief Executive’s meritocratic principle. In addition, 176 persons are to be elected as members in the Dis-trict Committees constituencies by the district area, district fire safety and district fight-crime committees; and 88 seats elected via the double seats and single vote voting system are spread over 44 geographical constituencies. In addition, 27 ex-officio seats are assumed by rural committees chairmen in the New Territories, an arrangement that remains unchanged. Altogether, the new District Councils will consist of 470 members. An eligibility review system will also be introduced to District Council elections so as to fully im-plement the principle of “patriots governing Hong Kong”. The District Of-ficer is the head of the relevant district office, an administration-oriented approach that boosts efficiency.

The Hong Kong Chinese Importers’ and Exporters’ Association (HKCIEA) is of the view that the new arrangement can eliminate elements that are anti-China and bring chaos to Hong Kong, and prevent District Councils from being hijacked and used by these elements as a platform to promote independence. The change can also mitigate the flaws and plug the loopholes of the original system, so that national security is given top priori-ty and District Council elections will be brought back to the nature and posi-tioning pertaining to non-governmental local organisations and as endowed by the Basic Law. This is conducive to bringing into full play the functions of local advisory bodies.

HKCIEA is also of the view that the reform ensures district councils fo-cus on local affairs and people’s livelihood. It will effectively depoliticise District Councils, making sure they are administration-oriented and effec-tively boosting district councils local governance capacity. As a result, dis-trict councils can truly reflect public opinions to the government, enabling the government to formulate and implement local services more effectively and fulfilling its objective to serve people. HKCIEA reiterates that national security is key to safeguarding stability in Hong Kong. The District Council election reform can further safeguard Hong Kong’s long-term stability and prosperity. It is only in a highly efficient and fair society can Hong Kong’s business environment be strengthened and businesses thrive. That is the prerequisite for attracting investors and talents and ensuring smooth flow of capital.

For three consecutive days between 5 and 7 May 2023, many HKCIEA Council members took to the streets under the leadership of President Pui Kwan-kay and Vice President and Honorary Secretary Wan Hang-ping. Un-der the scorching sun and braving the high temperature, they set up a booth at the junction of Des Voeux Road Central and Rumsey Street in Sheung Wan. They explained and promoted to members of the public the objective and details of the District Council reform. Many people stopped to listen and gave their signatures to show support.

During the three days, all council members worked hard at the street booth as they strove to make contributions to HKCIEA and Hong Kong as a whole. President Pui, Vice President and Honorary Secretary Wan, Vice Presidents Jimmy Wong Chi-hung, Tony Pang Chor-fu, Paul Leung Yuk-hung, David Ho Chi-ho, Eddy Li Sau-hung, Andrew Chan Shiu-shan, Ken-neth Chan Kin-nin, and Kwok Ying-loan, Honorary President Yu Kwei-chun, Honorary Vice Secretaries Byron Wong Tsz-wan, Stanley Choi Tak-shing and Sophia Lee Shuk-woon, Directors Chu Kwok-kee, Leung Yat-cheong, Tony Chiu Chun-mo, Kenneth Lee Fung-nin and Cheung Man-Ka, Directors Li Chi-keung, Ng Ching-wun, Desmond Cheung Chung-fu, Au Young Wing-kei, Cheung Hung-kwan, Gary Ng Kwong, Winnie Cheng Yin-wa, Anny Li Yiu-fun, Karson Mak Ka-sing, Eugene Chan Kin-keung, Yiu Kwai-chu, Hui Po-yuet, Benson Chu, Lau Kwong-ning, Hannah Song and Luna Shen, together with colleagues of the Secretariat, worked at the booth.