Hong Kong Chief Executive Donald Tsang said that he will increase the membership of the Executive Council and reorganize the Chief Executive Office in efforts to achieve strong governance.

He made the remarks while delivering his first Policy Address at the Legislative Council on Wednesday.

He will also rejuvenate the membership of advisory boards and statutory bodies to harvest the experience of leaders in their fields and provide them with an opportunity to play a greater role in the different levels of leadership.

Tsang said he has decided to increase the number of Non-official Members in the Executive Council. The Non-official Members will have more opportunities to participate at an earlier stage of policy making.

He said they will also play a more active role in assisting the government to explain and promote policies to the public, and to enhance communication between the Government and different sectors of the community.

The chief executive plays a pivotal role in achieving effective governance. To discharge his duties properly, he has decided to reorganize the Chief Executive's Office, he said.

The Director of the Chief Executive's Office will continue to be a political appointment, responsible for liaison with the Legislative Council, the Commission on Strategic Development, political organizations, various sectors and district personalities.

He said an additional post of Permanent Secretary will be required for internal management, including co-ordination with the Chief Secretary for Administration's Office, the Financial Secretary's Office, bureaus and departments.

The Commission on Strategic Development, chaired by the Chief Executive, was established in 1998 to explore the way forward for Hong Kong's long-term development strategies.

Tsang will substantially expand its membership to around 100 by inviting talent from different fields. It will provide a platform for all sectors of the community to explore with the government major issues pertaining to Hong Kong's long-term development.

The Commission's work will help make policy formulation more scientific and transparent, backed up by enhanced public participation and acceptance. To improve operational efficiency, three panels will be set up under the Commission to study political, economic and social development. The Central Policy Unit will provide research and secretariat support to the Commission.

Editor: Yan