The Government of Hong Kong Special Administration Region attaches great importance to preventing and alleviating poverty. Besides ensuring basic social protection and support, the Government seeks to provide individuals with opportunities to develop and enhance themselves and free themselves from poverty through economic development, employment, education and training.
In order to strengthen the efforts, the Government established the Commission on Poverty in early 2005. The Commission focuses on inter-departmental and inter-disciplinary issues and aims to enhance policy coordination and integration. The Commission is chaired by the Financial Secretary. Other members include Head of the Central Policy Unit and four Principal Officials responsible for health and welfare, home affairs, employment and education, Legislative Councillors, business people, community leaders, representatives from non-governmental organisations and academics.