The director of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office, Xia Baolong, met with Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu in Beijing on Wednesday and praised the effectiveness of the Special Administrative Region (SAR) government's work.
During the meeting, Xia commended Lee for leading his administration to "resolutely implement the important speeches and central government decisions" regarding Hong Kong.
He praised Lee's cabinet for being "courageous, proactive, and steadfast in safeguarding national security" while promoting high-quality development, stating that the SAR's work in various fields has achieved significant results.
With the National People's Congress set to review the draft of the 15th Five-Year Plan, Xia expressed his belief that the SAR government and all sectors of society will seize the opportunity.
He urged Hong Kong to formulate its own inaugural five-year plan in line with the nation's overall development, enhance its executive-led governance, and leverage its unique advantage of being "backed by the motherland" and connected to the world.
Xia added that Hong Kong should consolidate and enhance its status as an international center for finance, shipping, and trade, while accelerating its development into an international innovation and technology hub and a magnet for high-end global talent.
He further noted that through such measures, Hong Kong will achieve better development through its integration and service to the nation's overall growth.
