The central government’s liaison chief said on Friday that Hong Kong’s prosperity, freedom and lifestyle remain “rock solid” under the guidance of “one country, two systems”, and the city is able to tackle any difficulties thanks to its unique strengths and united society.

The central government continues to support the implementation of “one country, two systems” in Hong Kong, as it always has, and to roll out more favorable policies to boost Hong Kong’s economic development, Zheng Yanxiong, director of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, said at a luncheon with the city’s legislators.

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Zheng began his speech by expressing confidence in Hong Kong’s continuing prosperity, noting that the city’s high degree of autonomy, legal and business environment, freedom, way of life as well as its internationalization have remained unchanged since its return to motherland.

The Pearl of the Orient continues to gleam and glitter.

Zheng Yanxiong, Director, Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR

The city’s prosperity and stability are still “rock solid” thanks to the central government's unwavering commitment and Hong Kong people’s support of the “one country, two systems” principle, Zheng said.

“The Pearl of the Orient continues to gleam and glitter," he added.

Meanwhile, Zheng pointed out some of the new changes Hong Kong is actively embracing, including the unprecedented developments and transformations across the city on various fronts and in different industries.

He said that the enactment of the National Security Law for Hong Kong and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance are effectively protecting Hong Kong’s security and stability and will prevent the city’s administrative, legislative and legal systems from being subjected to external interference.

The revamped electoral system and district governance system have also bolstered the efficiency of the Legislative Council and district councils, allowing more capable people to be selected to serve the city, he added.

Such developments are paving way for Hong Kong’s remarkable achievements in its economy, people’s livelihoods and exchanges with the international community over recent years, added Zheng.

To navigate the city through the challenges and difficulties it faces, Zheng called on Hong Kong people to uphold the “one country, two systems” principle, amplify the city’s unique advantages as a superconnector, and capitalize on the opportunities emerging from the nation’s booming development.

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Hong Kong's integration with the nation will not marginalize the city but enable it to better realize its own achievements, Zheng said.

He also urged Hong Kong to maintain its rule-of-law spirit, safeguard national security and spread Chinese culture to amplify the city’s unique roles.

Also speaking at the luncheon, President of the Legislative Council Andrew Leung Kwan-yuen said the improvements to the city’s electoral system have transformed the Legislative Council, making it more pragmatic and capable, with new-term legislators showing an unprecedented willingness to take on responsibility.

He said that by the summer recess in mid-July, the LegCo is expected to pass 75 bills, a 35 percent increase over the same period in the previous term. At the same time, lawmakers have scrutinized and approved 186 public expenditure proposals involving HK$500 billion ($64 billion), an 11 percent increase over the previous term.

He attributed the impressive results to the positive interaction between the SAR government and the LegCo, emphasizing that the alignment of goals and a cooperative relationship between the executive and legislative branches is a fundamental requirement for Hong Kong's advancement from stability to prosperity.

He added that the LegCo will continue to fulfill its duties, supporting the SAR government in jointly securing the city's bright future.

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Zheng also accepted the Legislative Council's invitation to dine with lawmakers in 2023.

Lawmaker Bill Tang Ka-piu said he believes that Zheng’s address shed light on the city’s strengths and will help policy makers better allocate policy resources and strategies to the right areas.

Another legislator, Holden Chow Ho-ding, said Zheng’s remarks were a reminder of the need for Hong Kong to consistently maintain its edge in international connectivity, strengthen external exchanges through various channels and attract people from all over the world.

Chow said he believes that the enactment of the city’s safeguarding national security mechanism will ensure Hong Kong has a brighter future.

Contact the writer at amberwu@chinadailyhk.com