Chief Executive John Lee today expressed his heartfelt gratitude, on behalf of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, to President Xi Jinping for his reply letter to a group of Hong Kong entrepreneurs of Ningbo descent.

The letter conveys President Xi’s recognition and warm encouragement to the entrepreneurs for inheriting their ancestors’ fine tradition of patriotism as well as for their contributions to the development of their home town and the country.

Mr Lee noted that descendants of the pioneering generation of Ningbo-born Hong Kong entrepreneurs recently wrote to President Xi to report on their efforts in carrying on the fine traditions of their ancestors and supporting national development.

Such descendants, including Ms Anna Pao Sohmen and Mr Chao Kee-young, also expressed their ongoing commitment to contribute to the country’s modernisation.

The Chief Executive said that President Xi’s reply letter was deeply encouraging and inspiring, particularly for Hong Kong entrepreneurs of Ningbo descent and those from other parts of the country.

He pointed out that it reinforces their confidence and determination to build on past successes and break new ground while upholding fundamental principles, so that they could continue leveraging their strengths to serve and contribute to their home town and the country.

Mr Lee stressed that the Hong Kong SAR Government will continue to unite Hong Kong’s patriotic forces that love the city and their home towns in the local business sector and the wider community, and encourage them to fully utilise their expertise in their respective fields to better integrate into the country’s overall development.

They are also encouraged to help make Hong Kong’s contributions in the nation’s journey towards becoming a strong country and achieving national rejuvenation, he added.