The unit, with some 40 employees, will come with three deputy heads and a handful of assistant leaders, which will assist Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu in setting up a panel of advisers on various policy aspects, he said.

The spokesman said the 48-year-old veteran think tank researcher and former Legislative Council member receives a salary equivalent to the eighth point of the Civil Service Bureau's directorate pay scale, which is between HK$302,550 and HK$311,550.

"The wages of Chief Executive's Policy Unit members will be the same as those of the central policy unit and the policy innovation and coordination office," he said.

He added under Wong's leadership, the unit will be able to advise the government on how Hong Kong should promote its advantages, collaborate with the international community and integrate into nation development.

Apart from some 40 full-time staff members, "special advisers" will also be recruited to assist in the formation recommendations on social policies when necessary.

"The chief executive will also set up a panel of CE advisers and invite elites from all walks of life and talents with extensive social networks to join," he said. "The Chief Executive's Policy Unit will help the CE form the panel of advisers."

Commencing yesterdayit is responsible for conducting studies on mainland policies and developments and monitoring international trends.

According to the government directory, the unit is listed under the umbrella of Chief Secretary Eric Chan Kwok-ki's office, instead of John Lee's office as suggested by its name.