Regina Ip Hopes For Long-term Vision In Budget

The Chairwoman of the New People's Party, Regina Ip, says she hopes Wednesday's budget announcement will include measures to promote long-term economic development.

She said the Financial Secretary, Paul Chan, should not be persuaded by various demands from political parties, such as cash handouts to the public.

Instead, she said he should focus on tackling the widening wealth gap and maximising opportunities provided by the development of the Greater Bay Area.

"I think in recent years our budgets have been too politically driven. The financial secretary has been confronted with long wish lists from different parties, but he must not be distracted from his central role of formulating economic policy both in medium term and long term.

"Our long term growth development strategy, that's number one.

"Number two is how to maximise the opportunities provide by the Greater Bay Area; and thirdly how to deal with some economic problems facing our society, which is the widening wealth gap."