HK tasked to pump up economy, livelihoods

Hong Kong should improve its economy and residents' livelihoods under the one country, two systems principle and actively integrate into the Greater Bay Area, Premier Li Qiang says in his report.

Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu, who attended the NPC meeting, said he was inspired by Li's report, adding the Hong Kong administration must unite various sectors to boost its economy and increase its competitiveness.

Li said Hong Kong authorities should continue to carry out the one country, two systems, Hong Kong people ruling Hong Kong, and patriots governing Hong Kong principles.

Li said: "We support Hong Kong and Macau to develop the economy and improve people's livelihoods to better integrate into national development. We should also maintain the long-term prosperity of Hong Kong and Macau."

He said the two SARs should make good use of their advantages to actively participate in the development of the bay area.

Lee said he felt "encouraged" by the report and assured the administration will "unite all walks of life, sparing no efforts in pursuing economic growth and improving people's livelihoods."

Lee said Hong Kong will seize opportunities brought by national development strategies, the Greater Bay Area and the Belt and Road Initiative to integrate into national development and enhance its international competitiveness.

Hong Kong NPC deputy Rock Chen Chung-nin said Li did not specifically mention Hong Kong's national security situation in the work report as the central government prioritizes the economic and social situation.

"Around 99 percent of opinions received by the government are supportive of the Article 23 legislation. The central government thinks Hong Kong society has reached a consensus on the matter and it does not need to highlight it in the work report," said Chen, an Election Committee sector lawmaker from the DAB.

Hong Kong's sole deputy to the NPC Standing Committee, Starry Lee Wai-king, said the report meets Hong Kong's needs to boost its economy. Hong Kong could better safeguard national security after Article 23 legislation, said the DAB lawmaker.

Deputy Jimmy Ng Wing-ka, a lawmaker from the Business and Professionals Alliance for Hong Kong, said policies benefiting the city have been announced.

Henry Tang Ying-yen, a Standing Committee member of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, said Hong Kong should realize its advantages as an international financial, shipping and cultural hub.

wallis.wang@singtaonewscorp.com