HONG KONG, Oct. 14 (Xinhua) -- The policies outlined by Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Chief Executive Donald Tsang in an annual policy address on Wednesday was pragmatic and in the right direction, but surprises were few, said scholars, officials and industry organizations.

    In the policy address titled "Breaking New Ground Together," Tsang set out plans for Hong Kong to build on its strength in four traditional pillars, and, in addition, to boost the development of six other industries where it has a clear advantage.

    "Hong Kong must constantly enhance its competitiveness and continue to evolve into a high value-added, knowledge-based economy to maintain its leading edge over global competitors and create more quality jobs," he said in the 90-minute address.

    Billy Mak, associate professor at the department of finance and decision sciences, Hong Kong Baptist University, said the policies were in the right direction, although surprises were few.

    "Indeed it is not the time for mass spending, as the economy has been stabilizing," he said, adding that it was the time for optimizing the economic structure.

    Tsang said he has been trying to come up with innovative plans to add impetus to the growth of Hong Kong since the beginning of his current term in 2007.

    The light brown color of the cover of the printed edition means the need to "go back to the basic," or be pragmatic, Tsang told a press conference later Wednesday.

    Henry Tang, the chief secretary for administration of the HKSAR government, said the 2009-10 policy address was "pragmatic, comprehensive and forward looking."

    "This policy address has consolidated or strengthened the four existing economic pillars and also has some forward-looking industries in six major areas. We feel that this will give us a good platform to build a more diversified and more balanced, all-round economy," Tang told reporters.

    Leung Chun-ying, convenor of the non-official members of the Executive Council, said the policy address ought to be supported by a very wide cross-section of the community.

    Responding to media questions on the lack of candies and handouts, Donald Tsang said it was the most important in a policy address to outline the policy direction, instead of discussing how to spend.

    While some of the local groups criticized the policy address for lacking concrete support measures for the disadvantaged, most industry groups welcomed it.

    The Federation of Hong Kong Industries acknowledged the Chief Executive's recognition of the need to diversify the Hong Kong economy by fostering new industries.

    Deloitte Touche, the accounting firm, also praised the policy address for its pragmatism, the clear directions outlined, and its comprehensive coverage including economy, environment, constitutional development and drug abuse among local youths.

    The plans to launch a research and development cash rebate scheme, promote the use of electric cars and put in place measures for cultural conservation and controlling the building density in the Central District were particularly commendable, it said.

    Tsang said the work done by the HKSAR government over the past three years was in general satisfactory when considered in light of his election promises, adding that he would try his best to deliver the remaining part of the promises.