Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee delivers his first annual policy address at the Legislative Council in Hong Kong, China October 19, 2022. REUTERS/Tyrone SiuHONG KONG, Oct 19 (Reuters) - Hong Kong's Chief Executive John Lee said in his inaugural policy address on Wednesday that he wanted to bolster the city's competitiveness and attract more overseas talent, including graduates from top global universities. Lee, a former career policeman with limited financial expertise, also stressed in his speech that further safeguarding the city's national security would remain a priority, with more national security laws currently being explored. "Apart from actively nurturing and retaining local talents, the government will proactively trawl the world for talents," Lee said in his speech to local lawmakers. ($1 = 7.8499 Hong Kong dollars)Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com RegisterReporting by James Pomfret, Clare Jim and Donny Kwok; Writing by James Pomfret; Editing by Simon Cameron-MooreOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

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