Xia expressed confidence in HK’s future in meeting with lawmakers

Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office director Xia Baolong expressed his confidence in Hong Kong's future development during a meeting with lawmakers on Friday, the second day of his seven-day visit in the city.

DAB’s Starry Lee Wai-king, said a wide range of topics were discussed during the meeting with Xia, including economic development, integration with other parts of the Greater Bay Area, and the planned Article 23 of the Basic Law national security legislation.

She said lawmakers were able to express their views with Xia during the meeting, yet she stopped short when asked whether Xia had made comments about the city’s property-cooling measures and the Individual Visit Scheme for mainlanders, and whether the Beijing official had evaluated the lawmakers’ performances.

Lee said Xia conveyed clearly in the meeting that the central government does care and support Hong Kong.

Meanwhile, Priscilla Leung Mei-fun from the Business and Professionals Alliance described the exchange as heart-warming and genuine, and there's a clear message that the country fully supports legislators in voicing different views.