Xi's Shenzhen Visit May Delay CE's Policy Address

Chief Executive Carrie Lam's Policy Address set for Wednesday is expected to be delayed as the mainland media announced that President Xi Jinping will be visiting Shenzhen on the same day.

The official Xinhua news agency reported on Monday that Xi will visit Shenzhen to mark the 40th anniversary of the country's first special economic zone.

The agency also said Xi will give "deliver an important speech at the meeting" which will be covered by major state-run media.

The timing of this event may clash with Lam's Policy Address which was scheduled on that day at 11am. Shortly after the announcement of Xi's visit, Lam’s office issued a notice for a press conference, triggering speculation that her Policy Address will be delayed.

On Sunday, Xinhua reported that the central government will strengthen the role of Shenzhen as a special economic zone as the “core engine” in the greater bay area, adding it will push for closer ties between the city and Hong Kong.

Reports last week said that the Hong Kong government has been mulling plans to allow the SAR residents living in the Greater Bay Area to vote in the coming Legco polls.