CPC Central Committee Hong Kong & Macao Work Office Director and State Council Hong Kong & Macao Affairs Office Director Xia Baolong met Chief Executive John Lee, who was in attendance at the opening meeting of the third session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC), in Beijing today.

Mr Xia said that the central government remains committed in fully and faithfully implementing the principle of “one country, two systems”, and will continue to fully support Hong Kong and Macau in integrating into national development.

He noted that under the leadership of Mr Lee, the governance team of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region has been resolutely implementing the guiding principles of important speeches by President Xi Jinping on Hong Kong and Macau affairs and the central government's strategic decisions.

By proactively identifying, adapting to, and driving change, the team has firmly safeguarded high-level security and strenuously promoted high-quality development, while uniting all sectors of society to focus on economic growth, pursue development and advance infrastructure, achieving good results in the areas, Mr Xia supplemented.

He expressed confidence that the Hong Kong SAR Government and the Hong Kong community would seize opportunities, pursue reforms and endeavour to fully leverage the institutional strengths of “one country, two systems”, consolidate and enhance Hong Kong's status as an international financial, shipping and trade centre, establish an international hub for high-calibre talent, and in turn, expedite the city's transition from stability to prosperity, making greater contributions to the building of a great country in all respects and advancing toward national rejuvenation through Chinese modernisation.

The Chief Executive thanked the central authorities for the support and recognition of the Hong Kong SAR Government's efforts. He also expressed his gratitude for Mr Xia's guidance and care for the Hong Kong SAR.

Mr Lee highlighted that 2025 marks the conclusion of the 14th Five-Year Plan and is an important year in further deepening reform comprehensively.

He pointed out that since assuming office, the current term of the Hong Kong SAR Government has been striving to consolidate and realise the positioning of the “eight centres” under the 14th Five-Year Plan, proactively attracting businesses and talent while expanding economic and trade networks.

The Government has introduced multiple reform measures, including over 600 policy initiatives spanning diverse sectors outlined in last year's Policy Address, specially themed “Reform for Enhancing Development & Building Our Future”.

These measures aim to deepen reforms and uncover new economic growth areas, while upholding the city's principle and embracing innovation.

Mr Lee said that the measures will consolidate Hong Kong's status as an international financial, shipping and trade centre, establish an international hub for high-calibre talent, accelerate the city's development into an international innovation and technology centre, and advance such developments as the Northern Metropolis and the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science & Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone.

The Hong Kong SAR Government will continue to unite all sectors of society in driving innovation and reform, and better understand, respond to and embrace changes, the Chief Executive added.

Giving full play to its institutional strengths under the “one country, two systems” principle and unique strengths in internationalisation, Hong Kong will further strengthen its bridging role between the Mainland and the world, actively integrate into the national development, and contribute to the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area development and the Belt & Road Initiative, telling the good stories of the country and Hong Kong.

Mr Lee highlighted that in collaboration with the community, the Hong Kong SAR Government will earnestly study and implement the spirit of the third session of the 14th NPC and the third session of the 14th Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference National Committee, foster unity, and achieve greater development for Hong Kong, thereby making greater contributions to the building of a great country in all respects and advancing toward national rejuvenation.