Chief Executive John Lee attended the opening meeting of the third session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) in Beijing today, in his capacity as Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

The third session of the 14th NPC commenced this morning, during which Premier Li Qiang delivered the government work report, reviewing the work for 2024 and outlining the overall requirements for economic and social development and major tasks of the government for 2025.

He said the principles of "one country, two systems", "Hong Kong people administering Hong Kong" and a high degree of autonomy in the Hong Kong SAR should continue to be fully, faithfully and resolutely implemented, while maintaining the constitutional order in the Hong Kong SAR as stipulated in the Constitution and the Basic Law and implementing the principle of "patriots administering Hong Kong".

The Premier expressed support for Hong Kong in strengthening economic development and improving people's livelihood, deepening international exchanges and co-operation, with a view to better integrating into the overall national development and maintaining the long-term prosperity and stability of the city.

He also highlighted the need to enhance the innovation capabilities and influence of economically advantageous areas, including the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

The Chief Executive said he was most encouraged, adding that this year marks the conclusion of the 14th Five-Year Plan and the beginning of the formulation of the 15th Five-Year Plan.

It is also a crucial year for deepening comprehensive reforms, which are of significant importance for the implementation of "one country, two systems", he added.

Mr Lee said the Hong Kong SAR Government will continue to fully, faithfully and resolutely implement the principles of "one country, two systems", "Hong Kong people administering Hong Kong" and a high degree of autonomy.

He also noted that it will unite all sectors of society to deepen comprehensive reforms, actively understand, respond to and embrace changes, and better leverage the institutional strengths of "one country, two systems" and Hong Kong's unique and advantages of internationalisation to open up new development opportunities.

The Hong Kong SAR Government will spare no effort in pursuing economic development, improving people's livelihood and exploring new growth areas, the Chief Executive stressed.

Coupled with market forces, the Hong Kong SAR Government will adopt an innovative mindset to take forward the development of the Northern Metropolis and the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science & Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone, accelerating the development of the international innovation and technology centre, Mr Lee said.

Additionally, it aims to consolidate and enhance Hong Kong's status as an international financial, shipping and trade centre, building the city as a global hub for high-calibre talent, while also promoting the Greater Bay Area’s high-quality development and actively integrating into the national development.

It will also enhance Hong Kong's international competitiveness, deepen international exchanges and co-operation, and strengthen its role to link the Mainland with global markets, so as to achieve better development in Hong Kong and make further contributions to building the great country and advancing national rejuvenation.

Mr Lee extended his best wishes for the success of the third session of the 14th NPC and the third session of the 14th Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference National Committee.