SARs welcome premier’s messages, pledge efforts to country’s development

Premier Li Qiang on Wednesday reaffirmed the central government’s strong support for the Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions to deepen international exchanges and cooperation as the nation continues to expand its opening-up scope.

Li made the remarks while delivering the Government Work Report at the opening of the annual session of the nation’s top legislature, the National People’s Congress, in Beijing. His words were warmly welcomed by the chief executives of the two SARs and local representatives attending the event.

Reflecting on the past year, Li credited the country’s stable performance and steady growth — achieved despite a complex and challenging environment — to the central government’s leadership and the united efforts of all sectors of society, including Hong Kong and Macao compatriots.

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Looking ahead, Li underscored the nation’s commitment to a high standard of opening-up, and to stabilizing foreign trade and investment regardless of the challenges in the external environment.

This year marks the ending of the national 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-25). Li said the central government will ensure the high-quality completion of all tasks outlined in the plan, and initiate analysis and planning for the formulation of the 15th Five-Year plan (2026-30).

In the report, the central government pledged to continue implementing the “one country, two systems” framework, uphold the constitutional order of Hong Kong and Macao as stipulated in the Constitution and in their respective basic laws, and ensure the “patriots administering Hong Kong” and “patriots administering Macao” principles are adhered to.

“We will support Hong Kong and Macao in growing their economies, improving the lives of their people, and deepening international exchanges and cooperation. We will ensure that Hong Kong and Macao better integrate themselves into China’s overall development and maintain long-term prosperity and stability,” the report stated.

Li also highlighted the importance of enhancing the innovation capabilities and influence of economically advantaged areas, including the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, and said he hopes these areas will play a stronger role in driving the growth of neighboring regions.

During the NPC session, which ends on March 11, Hong Kong and Macao NPC deputies will join their counterparts nationwide to deliberate the Government Work Report. Members of the country’s top political advisory body, the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference National Committee — including those from the two SARs — will also discuss the report during their session, which began on Tuesday and runs through March 10.

Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu and Macao Chief Executive Sam Hou-fai, who attended the NPC’s opening session as guests, welcomed the premier’s messages in the national blueprint and pledged their respective regions’ contributions to national development.

In a social media post, Lee said he was “encouraged by Li’s speech”, adding that Hong Kong will leverage its advantages under “one country, two systems” and international connectivity, embrace the changes ahead and unite all sectors of the community to deepen reform comprehensively.

Lee highlighted Hong Kong’s aspirations to build itself into an international innovation center and a global talent hub, while reinforcing its role as a leading financial, shipping, and trading center. By deepening integration with other cities in the Greater Bay Area and aligning more closely with national development strategies, Hong Kong will enhance its international competitiveness and cooperation, better serving as a bridge between China and the rest of the world and contributing to national rejuvenation, he said.

On behalf of the Macao SAR, Sam expressed gratitude for the central government’s support, saying the city will faithfully implement “one country, two systems” and safeguard national security.

He said the Macao SAR government will work closely with all sectors of the city to thoroughly study and implement the gist of the report, seizing opportunities arising from the nation’s modernization drive, promoting economic diversification, and enhancing Macao’s role as a liaison between China and Portuguese-speaking countries.

Hong Kong NPC Deputy Kenneth Fok Kai-kong described the report as “confidence-boosting”, as it offers a clear road map for future advancement. Fok, who is also a lawmaker of Hong Kong, highlighted the city’s potential to enhance international relations through nongovernmental organizations and its influential business community.

Brave Chan Yung, another NPC deputy from Hong Kong, echoed the report’s emphasis on upholding the two SARs’ constitutional order, especially amid the ongoing complex international landscape.

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Macao NPC Deputy Ng Siu-lai took note of the report’s particular highlights on Macao’s international role, suggesting the city should further explore engagement strategies with Portuguese-speaking countries.

Tan Yueheng, a CPPCC National Committee member from Hong Kong, viewed the report’s emphasis on Hong Kong and Macao’s international characteristics as a reflection of the central government’s strategic global vision.

To live up to the central government’s expectations, Hong Kong must further explore effective ways to serve as a bridge across various domains, Tan said.

Mohamed Butt, executive director of Hong Kong Productivity Council — an innovative solution provider — found the report forward-looking for highlighting the development of new quality productive forces tailored to local conditions.

The HKPC will continue to push for development in artificial intelligence, the low-altitude economy, green technology, life and health technology, microelectronics and intellectual property, helping Hong Kong and Chinese mainland high-tech enterprises internationalize and contributing to the nation’s high-quality development, said Butt.

Contact the writers at williamxu@chinadailyhk.com