At a forum held on Thursday, Xia Baolong, director of the Hong Kong and Macao Work Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, elaborated on President Xi Jinping’s speech delivered on the 25th anniversary of Macao’s return to China, highlighting its gist: The implementation of “one country, two systems” has entered a new era, in which the Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions are entrusted with new missions and responsibilities. Xia said he hopes both SARs will undertake the new missions and responsibilities with passion to further contribute to national development and rejuvenation.

Among other things, Xi urged Macao to integrate lawful governance with proactive administration. Conceivably, the two do not contradict each other; meanwhile, it is imperative for the SAR governments to take on a stronger sense of mission and responsibility and be more proactive in their undertakings as the implementation of “one country, two systems” enters a new era.

Xi’s expectation for Macao is consistent with his expectation for Hong Kong — to “better integrate a capable government with an efficient market”, which is instructive for the SARs to enhance their governance and administrative efficacy.

Xia said he hopes the two SAR governments will adopt innovative governance philosophies, discard “outdated concepts”, optimize governance institutions, and enhance governance capacity and efficiency. With a greater sense of responsibility, vigor and commitment, they should strive to become determined leaders, enablers and achievers in realizing better socioeconomic development in Hong Kong and Macao.

The “outdated concepts” apparently refer to the widely known notions of “positive noninterventionism”, “small government, big market” and “small government, big society”.

I would say that the distorted notion about “political neutrality” should also be dispelled. During the riots in 2019, the notion of “political neutrality” was abused and used by some civil servants as an excuse for not carrying out government directives. The same distorted notion was also used to justify indolence and nonperformance. Although such absurdity was gradually replaced by a proactive vibe and renewed dynamism in the civil service, for this to be sustained, the notion must be demythologized at its ideological root.

To attain better socioeconomic development, the SAR governments must adopt innovative governance philosophies, strengthen their sense of mission and responsibility as the primary agents responsible for local affairs, and play a leading role in coordinating efforts of all quarters of society to address local challenges. When the economic outlook is uncertain, the government should vigorously explore new paths; when public confidence wanes, the government has to bolster it; when market mechanisms fail, the government ought to intervene in time; and when market monopolies undermine the well-being of the general public, the government must uphold social equity and justice.

The “greater sense of responsibility, vigor and commitment” mentioned by Xia reflects his hope for the SAR governments to act decisively instead of being timid.

Xi’s speech pointed out the direction for better socioeconomic development in Hong Kong and Macao. Xia’s elaboration highlighted the missions and responsibilities of the SARs. The governance teams of the Hong Kong and Macao SARs and all sectors of society should forge ahead with determination in fully utilizing their unique roles to contribute to national development and rejuvenation

His expectation for the two SAR governments to be “determined leaders, enablers and achievers”, essentially requires them to define their role as “commanders”, who unite and lead all sectors of society to promote socioeconomic development, rather than being mere “night watchmen”.

In his speech, Xi laid out “three expectations” and “four hopes” for Macao, placing “promoting appropriate economic diversification” at the top of the “four hopes”, and outlining specific requirements for Macao’s positioning, industry development and strategies in this regard.

Xia noted that Xi’s “three expectations” and “four hopes” for Macao also apply to Hong Kong. He hopes that Hong Kong’s and Macao’s business communities will continue to play a pivotal role in driving economic development, throw their weight behind the chief executives and the SAR governments, and explore new industries and business models. In doing so, they will play a greater role in the country’s new stage of reform and opening-up as well as in building a prosperous Hong Kong and Macao.

A rapidly advancing new wave of technological revolution and industrial transformation, characterized by artificial intelligence, new industries and business models, is poised to alter traditional modes of production and reshape lifestyles. While Hong Kong and Macao enjoy unique advantages, they need to take action to boost their insufficient capacity for technological innovation.

Xia urged the SARs’ business communities not to rest on their laurels or count on monopolistic advantages for profitability in the long run. Instead, they should actively explore new industries and business models, and play a leading role in industrial transformation and upgrading in the SARs.

Xi emphasized that Macao should firmly safeguard both national security and its stability and solve the most pressing problems that are of great concern to residents. Xia said these remarks provide Macao a guide in enhancing social stability and building a better Macao. Xia also highlighted two key tasks for the Macao SAR government: strengthen the foundation of district-level governance; and work together with Macao society to improve the well-being of young people.

District-level governance remains a key subject in the two SARs’ governance. Since Hong Kong’s district councils underwent reform a year ago, district-level governance has gradually improved. But this is just the first step in a long march. Xia said he hopes that the Macao SAR governance team will establish a regular communication and collaboration mechanism with district organizations for better collective responses to complex circumstances that may arise.

Xi expressed his hope that young people will be good builders and mighty successors of the cause of “one country, two systems”. Xia said he hopes that Hong Kong and Macao society care for the well-being of young people, create a better environment and more opportunities for their development.

Xi’s speech pointed out the direction for better socioeconomic development in Hong Kong and Macao. Xia’s elaboration highlighted the missions and responsibilities of the SARs. The governance teams of the Hong Kong and Macao SARs and all sectors of society should forge ahead with determination in fully utilizing their unique roles to contribute to national development and rejuvenation.

The author is vice-chairman of the Committee on Liaison with Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan and Overseas Chinese of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference and chairman of the Hong Kong New Era Development Thinktank.

The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.