Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu holds a press conference on his 2022 Policy Address at the Central Government Offices on Oct 19, 2022. (CALVIN NG / CHINA DAILY)

Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu hopes the proactive, focused and groundbreaking initiatives in his maiden Policy Address effectively enhance Hong Kong’s attractiveness and provide a solid foundation for the city’s economic integration into the nation.

He made the remarks at a news conference on Wednesday afternoon, a few hours after delivering the governance blueprint. One of the longest ever in Hong Kong’s history, the Policy Address included nearly 600 measures, touching on a wide variety of issues of most concern to the public.

Lee said the Policy Address accords well with President Xi Jinping’s report delivered at the opening session of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China. In the report, Xi expressed expectations and flagged directions for Hong Kong to better develop its economy and improve people’s livelihoods.

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Lee vowed that the city will further integrate with the nation by better dovetailing with national strategies; namely, the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-25), the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, and the Belt and Road Initiative.

Lee vowed that the city will further integrate with the nation by better dovetailing with national strategies; namely, the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-25), the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, and the Belt and Road Initiative

In the report, Xi said China is on a new journey toward building a modern socialist country in all respects. Lee said he felt encouraged by the remarks, adding that the city will actively contribute to the nation’s modernization drive.

He said that cross-border science and technology cooperation in border site of the Lok Ma Chau Loop and in Shenzhen’s Qianhai can be the breakthrough points, and authorities will further consider how to better leverage these collaboration platforms.

In the Policy Address, Lee said the government will establish a high-powered steering committee to deepen the city’s integration into national development and its cross-border collaboration with the mainland.

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He told the news conference that both Hong Kong and Shenzhen authorities have made cross-border scientific collaboration a priority. The Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park in Lok Ma Chau Loop can set a good example for future cooperation, and many new attempts can be explored in the cross-border flow of people, goods and information, Lee added.