Xia makes clear what Xi expects of HK

Cheng Wong

President Xi Jinping's expectations for Macau to seek reform and boost its economy also apply to Hong Kong, Beijing's top man on Hong Kong affairs says.

Speaking at a seminar in Beijing yesterday, Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office director Xia Baolong said that Hong Kong authorities should seek reform while leveraging advantages under the one country, two systems principle.

Hong Kong should make every effort to boost its economy and development and enhance exchanges with Macau, he said.

Xia said the president's speech during his visit to Macau to mark the 25th anniversary of the enclave's handover last month offered significant insights for constructing the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area.

Xia noted that it is crucial to clarify the roles and positions of Hong Kong and Macau in the GBA's development to foster greater contributions.

Lau Siu-kai, a consultant to the semi-official think tank Chinese Association of Hong Kong and Macau Studies, who attended the yesterday's seminar, said Hong Kong should contribute to the country by effectively utilizing its advantages under the one country, two systems principle.

The main priority for Hong Kong is to concentrate on economic development.

"To achieve this, the first step is to shift mindsets and employ innovative methods for economic growth, focusing on integration with the GBA and the national development framework."

He added that it is essential to focus on social welfare and maintain stability in Hong Kong, ensuring the well-being of the general public is addressed.

Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu, meanwhile, posted on Facebook that the seminar outlined the direction for implementing the one country, two systems principle.

He said the city will continue to leverage the advantages to explore new development avenues, focusing on boosting the economy, enhancing construction and strengthening new drivers of economic growth.

"We will draw on the practices and experiences of the Hengqin Cooperation Zone to actively promote the development of Qianhai, Nansha, Hetao and the Northern Metropolis areas in Shenzhen, advancing the development of distinctive industries and accelerating the market integration of the GBA.

"Additionally, we aim to create more development opportunities for youths in Hong Kong, nurturing them to become builders and successors of the one country, two systems," Lee said.

cheng.wong@singtaonewscorp.com