The business sector in Hong Kong hailed President Xi Jinping’s warm encouragement aimed at Hong Kong entrepreneurs, saying the local business sector will continue to leverage its strengths actively to serve the needs of the country.

The president recently replied to a letter from Hong Kong businesspeople with ancestral roots in Ningbo, including representatives such as Chao Kee-young and Pao Pui-hing, the daughter of the late shipping mogul Pao Yue-kong. They recently wrote to Xi to highlight the efforts they are making to support national development, and expressed their resolve to serve the nation’s modernization.

In his reply, Xi praised the contributions they are making to the development of their hometown and the country through their active engagement in innovation and entrepreneurship, as well as through their donations to education.

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Agnes Chan Sui-kuen, chairman of the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce — the oldest and largest business chamber representing multinational companies operating in the city — said Xi’s words reflect his sincere care and appreciation.

“From innovation to philanthropy, the contributions of their (Ningbo businessmen) pioneering ancestors are a source of immense pride to Ningbo and the country. The Hong Kong business community should work to promote this entrepreneurial spirit, unite the forces of patriotism, and contribute to the advancement of the country and national rejuvenation,” Chan told China Daily in a reply to an enquiry.

READ MORE: Xi encourages Hong Kong entrepreneurs to integrate into national reform

"President Xi's cordial encouragement is very encouraging to all Hong Kong entrepreneurs of different origins and from different places, and is an important boost for us to contribute to our country and hometown,” said Jonathan Choi Koon-shum, chairman of the Hong Kong Chinese General Chamber of Commerce and Hong Kong-based conglomerate Sunwah Group.

“Hong Kong's industrial and commercial community will continue to actively leverage its strengths to serve the needs of the country, comprehensively deepen reforms in the new era, promote Chinese-style modernization and contribute the strength of Hong Kong entrepreneurs,” added Choi, who is a Standing Committee member of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference — the nation’s top political advisory body.

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Steve Chuang, chairman of the Federation of Hong Kong Industries, told China Daily: “Hong Kong's industrial sector has actively participated in the country’s reforms since the 1980s. President Xi's reply reflects his high recognition of Hong Kong's business community and private enterprises, and strengthens our confidence in continuing to actively integrate into the overall development of the country.”

The Chinese Manufacturers’ Association of Hong Kong said in a media statement on Friday: “Hong Kong enterprises should be brave enough to break through the limitations of traditional economic growth models and productivity development paths, and continuously enhance their innovation capabilities and competitiveness when the national economy is entering a new stage of high-quality development.”

The statement added that Hong Kong can participate in and contribute to the country’s development, especially in furthering its opening-up to the outside world, creating new productive forces, promoting technological innovation, developing a green and low-carbon economy, and refining standards.