While the population ages in Hong Kong, families with elderly
members may need more support, and traditional values are still
important, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Chief Executive
Donald Tsang said here Tuesday.
Speaking at a conference on strengthening Hong Kong's families,
Tsang said the aging population may have a profound impact on
society. However, this does not mean that the government has to
allocate extra resources. Families with elderly members may need
more support as the population ages, as well as better coordination
of resources and the community neighborhood network,
Noting commercial firms are following the government's five-day
week initiative, Tsang said the move shows all sectors of the
community have a role to play in strengthening families.
Traditional values, such as filial affection, mutual help and close
contact also bolster family ties.
Tsang said greater participation from commercial and
non-government bodies is necessary to fully develop a
family-friendly working environment. He hoped the private sector
can introduce more family-friendly initiatives.
Tsang called on the public to treasure their families and spend
more time with them.
(Xinhua News Agency September 6, 2006)