Hong Kong Liaison Office Reorganizes Structure; Analysts Say Beijing Shifting Focus of Hong Kong Work

(Central News Agency, reporter Zhang Qian, Hong Kong, 2nd) The Hong Kong Liaison Office has recently reorganized its work structure. Some experts analyze that this reflects changes in the central Chinese government's work towards Hong Kong, with a greater future emphasis on financial, youth, and regional affairs.

The Hong Kong Liaison Office is the central Chinese government's institution in Hong Kong. Its latest organizational setup includes the General Office, Social Work Department, First Department of Economy and Finance, Second Department of Economy and Finance, Department of Education and Youth, Department of Legal Affairs, Hong Kong Island Affairs Department, Kowloon Affairs Department, New Territories East Affairs Department, and New Territories West Affairs Department.

Some media outlets have noted that compared to the previous structure, the aforementioned setup has undergone some changes, including: the former Economic Department has been reorganized into the First and Second Departments of Economy and Finance; the former Department of Education and Technology and the Youth Work Department are no longer present and have been replaced by the Department of Education and Youth; the New Territories Work Department has been reorganized into the New Territories East and West Affairs Departments; and a new Social Development Department has been added.

Liu Zhaojia, a consultant for the Chinese Association of Hong Kong and Macau Studies, told CNA reporters today that the structural reorganization reflects the central Chinese government's adjustment of its work towards Hong Kong, with a greater future emphasis on financial, youth, and regional affairs. This also aligns with the current policy priorities of the SAR government.

He stated that promoting work in finance, youth, and regional affairs requires cooperation between the two sides. For example, in financial matters, this involves promoting the internationalization of the RMB, and in youth work, it involves improving the quality of education and enhancing job opportunities.

He added that the newly established Social Development Department may aim to strengthen ties with all sectors of society and encourage all sectors, especially Chinese-funded institutions, to actively participate in Hong Kong's public welfare and charitable activities.

Furthermore, Ming Pao, in its related report, quoted sources as saying that these reform arrangements are expected to further support the Chief Executive and the SAR government in governing according to law, improve governance standards, resolve livelihood issues, and jointly maintain harmony and stability with the government. (Editor: Lu Jiarong) 1150702

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