Consolidating Pillar Industries

69.    Situated at a strategic location and with world-class infrastructural facilities, Hong Kong boasts a free economic system that is highly flexible and efficient.  We have the unique advantage of "one country, two systems", a low and simple tax regime and a highly open market enabling free flows of people, capital and goods.  We embrace a pluralistic and inclusive society and uphold the rule of law.  Our public sector is small yet efficient; our financial system is well-established and our service industries are well-developed, marking our irreplaceable strengths in the region.  In 2015, our pillar industries contributed close to 60 per cent of our GDP and about half of the employment opportunities in Hong Kong, serving as the linchpin of our economy.  It is therefore of utmost importance to consolidate and enhance the competitiveness of our pillar industries.