Xia Baolong, 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, accompanied by Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu, having an exchange session with Hong Kong entrepreneurs to share views on topics such as Hong Kong's economic developments in the city, Feb 23, 2024. (PHOTO / HKSAR GOVT)

HONG KONG – Xia Baolong, the nation’s top official overseeing Hong Kong and Macao affairs, has urged all sectors of the Hong Kong community to unite for development and continue with the city’s advancement from order to prosperity.

Xia, 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, spoke when he met with more than 20 representatives of local entrepreneurs at the SAR government headquarters on Friday – the second day of his weeklong inspection tour of the special administrative region.

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He said Hong Kong entrepreneurs have the spirit of working hard work, a commitment to social affairs, and a sense of patriotism that propels them to actively participate in the country’s development. They’ve played a significant role in maintaining the SAR’s prosperity and stability, as well as contributing to the nation’s reform and opening-up.

Xia also called on businesspeople to make new and greater contributions to the development of Hong Kong and the nation through practical actions

The central government has steadfastly adhered to “one country, two systems” and attached great importance to giving full play to Hong Kong’s unique position and advantages, Xia said. 

The central government will, as always, fully support Hong Kong’s development, he added.

The HKMWO chief encouraged Hong Kong entrepreneurs to maintain confidence in the city’s future, uphold its fine traditions, and actively support the chief executive and the SAR government in its law-based governance. 

He also called on businesspeople to make new and greater contributions to the development of Hong Kong and the nation through practical actions.

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Xia began the third day of his trip to the SAR on Saturday morning by visiting a restaurant in a shopping mall in Tseung Kwan O, where he had tea with Chief Executive Lee Ka-chiu and Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs Mak Mei-kuen.

Xia Baolong (second left), director of the Hong Kong and Macao Work Office of the CPC Central Committee and the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, accompanied by Hong Kong Chief Executive, John Lee Ka-chiu (first left), shakes hands with a Hong Kong entrepreneur during an exchange session in the city, Feb 23, 2024. (PHOTO / HKSAR GOVT)

Xia’s latest inspection tour is his second to Hong Kong in less than a year. Arriving in the city on Feb 22, Xia has so far met with SAR government officials, members of the Executive Council, legislators, and entrepreneurs, and exchanged views with them on issues concerning Hong Kong’s economy and livelihood. 

He’s also expected to visit various districts to meet up with residents.