Top representatives from the Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions responded enthusiastically to Premier Li Qiang’s report on Wednesday, noting that it offers a clear and confident development roadmap.

Li delivered a Government Work Report at the opening meeting of the third session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) —the nation’s top legislature — at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Wednesday.

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He reaffirmed the central government’s backing for Hong Kong and Macao, both of which continue to enjoy a high degree of autonomy under the “one country, two systems” system, and its commitment to deepen international exchanges and cooperation as the nation continues to expand its opening-up policy.

In a social media post on Wednesday, Hong Kong SAR Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said that he “felt honored” to have attended the opening meeting in Beijing, and he was “encouraged by Li’s speech”.

He said that Hong Kong will unite various sectors to comprehensively deepen reforms, embrace change, and harness the benefits of the “one country, two systems” policy and the city’s advantage such as internationalization more effectively.

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The city will also further enhance international exchanges and cooperation, bolster its role as a connector between domestic and global markets, and make greater contributions to the nation’s rejuvenation, Lee added.

Tan Yueheng, a Hong Kong lawmaker and a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, said that the government work report explicitly proposes, for the first time, that Hong Kong and Macao should deepen international exchanges and cooperation.

This marks a significant update of the central government’s strategic vision for the functional roles of both regions, Tan said.

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To advance this goal, Hong Kong must further explore how to effectively serve as a bridge across various domains, Tan noted.

For example, it should strengthen its distinctive attributes through institutional innovation and regional coordination, positioning itself as an international gateway which can showcase the Chinese path to modernization to the world, Tan added.

Kenneth Fok Kai-kong, vice-president of Fok Ying Tung Group and a member of Hong Kong’s Legislative Council, said that amid a rapidly evolving global landscape, the special administrative region needs to confront numerous challenges. The report can “stabilize the overall situation” and “boost confidence”, offering a clear roadmap and blueprint for future advancement, he said.

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Fok added that the report specifically mandates Hong Kong to forge greater connections with the international community. Recognizing that building friendships rests on people-to-people exchanges, Hong Kong can reinforce international relations by engaging with non-governmental associations and leveraging the influence of its business community, Fok noted.

Hendrick Sin, a Hong Kong delegate to the NPC, said that the report reflects the nation’s profound attention, care, support, and high expectations for the Hong Kong and Macao SARs.

As a representative of Hong Kong’s technology sector, Sin found that he was deeply inspired when the report emphasized accelerating the development of emerging industries.

Sin pledged to actively engage in technological innovation and promote high-quality development of the nation, ensuring that technological progress better serves both the country and its people.

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Ng Siu-lai, a Macao delegate to the NPC, said that the report shows the central government’s concern for and commitment to supporting Macao.

As a representative of Macao, she said she bears the significant responsibility of acting as a link between the central government and the city.

The report particularly highlights the importance of Macao’s participation in international exchanges, Ng noted. Hence, the city needs to explore effective ways to engage with Portuguese-speaking countries in the future. This engagement will facilitate Macao’s deeper integration into the national development, Ng added.