Xia Baolong (center), director of the Hong Kong and Macao Work Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and director of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, visits the Shenzhen Bay Control Point in Hong Kong on Feb 28, 2024. Accompanying him is HKSAR Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu (second right). (PHOTO / HKSAR GOVERNMENT)
More favorable policies for Hong Kong are expected to be implemented to promote the city’s development and counter negative narratives, Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said when quoting Xia Baolong, the nation’s top official overseeing Hong Kong and Macao affairs, who concluded a weeklong inspection trip on Wednesday.
Xia, director of the Hong Kong and Macao Work Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, began his weeklong inspection tour with a fact-finding team to Hong Kong on Feb 22.
During his packed schedule, Xia held five engagement sessions and two thematic sessions with local officials, lawmakers and representatives from the business, financial, legal, youth, and cultural sectors, to gather their opinions on the city’s prospects.
READ MORE: CE: Xia's visit conveys central government's confidence in HK
Xia conducted inspections at key locations such as the Hong Kong International Airport control center, the “community living room” program for subdivided-unit residents in Sham Shui Po, the Hong Kong Palace Museum, and Lion Rock Park. He also dined at two teahouses.
Before leaving Hong Kong, Xia stopped by the central government’s liaison office before inspecting operations at Shenzhen Bay Port. Xia was briefed on the port’s special 24-hour opening from Feb 9-13 to facilitate cross-boundary travelers during the Lunar New Year holiday. From Feb 10-17, an average of 157,000 mainland visitors arrived in Hong Kong daily, exceeding the 2018 level.
Lee, who accompanied Xia during the port inspection, later told media that he appreciated the central government’s support and its high expectations for Hong Kong, as well as its affirmation of the work of the city’s governance team.
Xia reaffirmed the central government’s confidence in Hong Kong’s competitiveness, citing facts and figures to underline Hong Kong’s core strengths and ability to strive for a better future, Lee said.
Xia pointed out that Hong Kong’s prospects “cannot be undermined by a few naysayers”, he added.
Lee also highlighted Xia’s emphasis on district governance. During his meeting with district councilors, members of the community care teams as well as representatives from district organizations, Xia called for them to facilitate effective communication between the government and residents, and take practical actions to improve district governance.
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Xia recognized the performance of the new-term district councilors, saying that the reform of the district council election under the “patriots administering Hong Kong” principle had proved to be “in line with Hong Kong’s actual situation and interests” and was “completely correct”.
Lee pledged his administration’s commitment to uniting the community, developing the economy and improving people’s livelihoods.
Lee also gave an update on the expansion of the Individual Visit Scheme. On Feb 23, the National Immigration Administration announced that, with effect from March 6, residents from Xi’an in Shaanxi province and Qingdao in Shandong province will be allowed to visit Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions independently.
In anticipation of growing passenger traffic, Cathay Pacific, Hong Kong’s largest airline, will increase its services between Hong Kong and Xi’an from three to five flights per week starting Mar 31, and employ larger carriers with an additional 360 seats a week for the Hong Kong-Qingdao route.
