18 | Constitution and Administration
The Chief Secretary for Administration supports the Chief Executive in administering Hong Kong and advises him on policy matters. He plays an important role in policy coordination, which is particularly important in areas that cut across policy bureaux. The Chief Secretary for Administration is also responsible for specific priority areas of the Chief Executive's policy agenda, and forging a closer and more effective working relationship with the Legislative Council and drawing up the Government's legislative programme. He also exercises statutory functions vested in him by law, such as those concerning the handling of appeals and certain public bodies.
Role of the Financial Secretary
The Financial Secretary's primary responsibility is to assist the Chief Executive in overseeing policy formulation and implementation in financial, monetary, economic, trade and employment matters. He exercises control over the Exchange Fund with the assistance of the Monetary Authority. He is a member of the Executive Council.
The Financial Secretary is also in charge of the Government Budget. He is responsible under the Public Finance Ordinance for laying before the Legislative Council each year the Government's estimates of revenue and expenditure. In his annual budget speech, he outlines the Government's vision and policies for sustainable economic development, and he presents budgetary proposals and moves the Appropriation Bill, which gives legal effect to the annual expenditure proposals contained in the Budget.
Central Policy Unit
The Central Policy Unit provides advice on policy issues to meet the special requirements of the Chief Executive, the Chief Secretary for Administration and the Financial Secretary and reports directly to them.
The unit consults widely with business and professional circles, political organisations and concern groups, and the academic community. It undertakes in- depth examinations of complex policy issues, including research on the Pearl River Delta, analyses options, takes soundings of community feedback and recommends solutions for the Government's internal consideration. The unit is responsible for coordinating the annual Policy Address exercise. It also provides secretariat support for the Commission on Strategic Development.
Efficiency Unit
The Efficiency Unit reports directly to the Chief Secretary for Administration and is tasked with pursuing the Government's commitment to public sector reform. The aim is to continuously improve the management and delivery of public services so that the community's needs are met in the most effective and efficient manner. The unit works in partnership with bureaux and departments to identify opportunities for performance enhancement, develop compelling business cases, provide solutions and secure effective implementation.
The unit has played a major role in many important reform initiatives such as the creation of trading funds; outsourcing of public services and the design and
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