Your future is bright, vice premier tells HK youth

Wallis Wang

Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang encouraged Hong Kong youths to continue contributing to the country's development while the central government will provide facilitating measures to help with their "bright future."

Speaking face-to-face to 150 youngsters from Hong Kong and Macau at the Great Hall of the People for the first time, Ding welcomed the youngsters, saying President Xi Jinping deeply cares about young people from the two SARs and has high hopes for them.

"[President Xi] said the youths of Hong Kong and Macau do not only represent the future of the two SARs, but also represent 'fresh blood' that can contribute to national development," Ding said. "The growth of Hong Kong and Macau youths will boost the development of the two SARs, leading to the great development of the country," he added.

Ding also said the central government has been requiring the local authorities to facilitate the youngsters and solve problems for them, giving them a sense of belonging and responsibility to their community.

"Various mainland departments and local governments have adopted a series of measures to make it easier for the SAR youths to study, work and live in the mainland, especially in the Greater Bay Area," he said.

"I believe the path for youngsters from the two SARs will be wider and smoother under the leadership of the central government and they will have a bright future."

Chinese Association of Hong Kong and Macau Studies consultant Lau Siu-kai said the face-to-face meeting between Ding and the delegation suggests Ding has become the top Beijing official to oversee Hong Kong and Macau affairs, succeeding current Vice President Han Zheng. Beijing believes Hong Kong can only maintain stability and safeguard national security by enhancing education on national identity and patriotism for youngsters and providing a good environment for their growth, Lau said.

The 150-strong youth delegation is led by lawmaker Kenneth Fok Kai-kong and includes lawmakers Johnny Ng Kit-chong, Duncan Chiu Tat-kun, Kenneth Leung Yuk-wai and Nixie Lam, as well as table tennis player Doo Hoi-kem.

Director of the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office Xia Baolong, deputy chief secretary for administration Warner Cheuk Wing-hing and undersecretary for Home and Youth Affairs Clarence Leung Wang-ching also attended the meeting with Ding yesterday.