Originally scheduled to wind up at the end of 2024, the terms of these working groups on boosting local economy had been extended by a year, running through to December 2025.
The groups are tasked with developing activities tailored to each district’s unique characteristics to attract both residents and visitors, in a bid to stimulate district-level economic development.
Speaking to RTHK in an interview marking the third year of John Lee’s administration, Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs Alice Mak said that the current district councils are moving beyond initiatives that are solely council-led, and are now actively fostering collaboration with a diverse number of community stakeholders including businesses and local organisations when hosting events.
Citing one success case, she said the district council in Lam Tsuen worked with the rural committee and young designers to organise last year’s wishing tree event, adding they used that experience to enhance this year’s festivities.
Meanwhile, Sham Shui Po held a night market called “Lightsaber Spin in the Shell” last year, in collaboration with local electronics shops and merchants, which significantly boosted economic activity in the area, with some shops reporting revenues reaching seven figures in over just two days.
Additionally, Tuen Mun’s Gold Coast Hydrangea Festival – which featured a drone show and performances – saw some nearby shops take advantage of the activities to host their own events.
“We see that the effect achieved by the working group on boosting local economy is that when we organise events, it’s not only the district council or the government’s resources involved,” Mak said.
“Instead, we can rely on diverse range of help from within society – the business sector, local organisations such as the rural committees, chambers of commerce, and so on – to work together.
“Moreover, we have created a platform allowing merchants or private sectors to organise events independently.”
Mak said the working groups will continue to discover new platforms, which include revitalising traditional festivals and also organising new events, to empower different businesses to host their own activities.
