Xia Baolong (center), director of the Hong Kong and Macao Work Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, waves to the media at the Central Government Offices in Admiralty, Hong Kong, on Feb 23, 2024. Accompanying him is Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu (left) and Zheng Yanxiong (center back), director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. (ANDY CHONG / CHINA DAILY)

Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said on Friday he was impressed by the visiting central government officials’ sincere interest when they listened to local views.

He added that he believes they will seriously study the proposals put forth by Hong Kong to develop a practical plan that will benefit the city.

The study team, led by Xia Baolong, director of the Hong Kong and Macao Work Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, arrived in Hong Kong on Thursday to kick off a seven-day inspection tour of the special administrative region.

Lee said that local government officials and social representatives provided a detailed overview of the city’s situation, which received an enthusiastic response from Xia and the visiting officials.

READ MORE: 'Xia upbeat, accommodative to Hong Kong's proposals'

“The study team is keen to listen to views about what requests we have for the central government so that they will consider them,” Lee said.

He cited as an example the latest acceptance of a proposal to extend a program that will allow residents from two more Chinese mainland cities to travel to Hong Kong and Macao outside of tour groups. The move shows that the central government takes seriously the perspectives from Hong Kong and cares for the city’s economic development.

The study team is keen to listen to views about what requests we have for the central government so that they will consider them.

John Lee Ka-chiu, Chief Executive, HKSAR

Lee also said that the central government officials expressed satisfaction with Hong Kong’s overall situation and the governance of the SAR government.

On Friday, Xia also exchanged views with members of the city’s Legislative Council at the government headquarters in Admiralty.

Starry Lee Wai-king, chairwoman of the Legislative Council House Committee, said that Xia stressed the central government’s care and concern for Hong Kong as well as his confidence in the city’s future development.

Various essential topics were discussed, including the economy, the city’s integration into the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, patriotic education, the Northern Metropolis development strategy, and the legislation of Article 23 of the Basic Law, she said.

The lawmaker also took the opportunity to propose initiatives, such as allowing local primary and secondary school students to visit the barracks of the People’s Liberation Army Hong Kong Garrison on important holidays to enhance their sense of nationalism.

Lawmaker Priscilla Leung Mei-fun said she was encouraged by Xia’s visit, and expressed her appreciation for the official’s genuine consideration of the suggestions put forward by the lawmakers.

ALSO READ: Xia Baolong kicks off 7-day Hong Kong inspection tour

Stanley Ng Chau-pei, who is among the Executive Council members meeting Xia at a separate breakfast meeting, described the atmosphere as relaxed and expressed his inspiration from Xia’s care and support for Hong Kong.

Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu speaks to the media at the Central Government Offices in the city on Feb 23, 2024. (ANDY CHONG / CHINA DAILY)

Ng said he proposed at the meeting facilitating more mainland residents’ visit to Hong Kong and raising the duty-free goods quota for mainland visitors returning home.

During his second day of the inspection, Xia also visited the International Organization for Mediation Preparatory Office, which was founded in 2023 with the support of the central government. The office aims to carry out preparatory work for the establishment of the International Organization for Mediation. 

Xia’s schedule also included a meeting with local business sector and entrepreneurs.

According to Jonathan Choi Koon-shum, chairman of the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce, Xia listened to the attendees’ views on the economy and encouraged them to have faith in the city’s bright prospect.

Choi said he told the meeting that it is important for Hong Kong, as an international financial and trading hub, to attract foreign investment and fulfill its role as a gateway linking the mainland and the rest of the world.

Xia had met with key SAR government officials and inspected the Hong Kong International Airport on Thursday after his arrival.

Among the visiting officials is Nong Rong, deputy director of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office, who was appointed on Friday. Nong previously served as the assistant minister of foreign affairs.