A Hong Kong resident takes a photo of the national flag as the city celebrates the 73rd anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. (ANDY CHONG/CHINA DAILY)

HONG KONG - Senior officials of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region on Saturday pledged to strengthen the city’s integration with the country’s development, while holding steadfast to their posts to help the SAR scale new heights.

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Offering his best wishes on the 73rd anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, Chief Secretary for Administration Chan Kwok-ki said Hong Kong, as part of the country, is obliged to contribute to the nation’s goals to be stronger and richer. It’s also the duty of every resident to maintain Hong Kong’s stability and prosperity and accurately implement “one country, two systems”.

Offering his best wishes on the 73rd anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, Chief Secretary for Administration Chan Kwok-ki said Hong Kong, as part of the country, is obliged to contribute to the nation’s goals to be stronger and richer. It’s also the duty of every resident to maintain Hong Kong’s stability and prosperity and accurately implement “one country, two systems”

Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Algernon Yau Ying-wah said he’ll make every effort to integrate Hong Kong enterprises into the nation’s overall development, consolidate the city’s position as an international trading center, and expand global economic and trade network to leverage Hong Kong’s unique and significant advantages offered by the country’s strong backing, as well as its deep links with the world.

Secretary for Security Chris Tang Ping-keung said on social media he’s proud of the motherland’s prosperity and development, adding that following the implementation of the National Security Law for Hong Kong, members of the public could express their patriotic feelings freely and cherish the care of the country when they see the national flags on the streets and in alleys.

Deputy Secretary for Justice Cheung Kwok-kwan called for better education to be offered about the rule of law, which is the SAR’s greatest strength and underpins the city’s unique position in the international community.

He said Hong Kong must continue to protect the rule of law and safeguard the constitutional order established by the Constitution and the Basic Law.

In another post on social media, Kevin Yeung Yun-hung, secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, said the motherland has supported Hong Kong to become a hub for arts and cultural exchanges between China and the world.

He vowed to put this ambitious goal high on his agenda and tell stories about the country and the HKSAR as well.

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Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu and other guests attend a reception at the Grand Hall of Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, in celebration of the 73rd anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, Oct 1, 2022. (ANDY CHONG / CHINA DAILY)

Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Erick Tsang Kwok-wai thanked the central government for its unwavering support for the SAR, saying the local economy is booming and Hong Kong’s status as a global financial, shipping and trading center is firmly established. The city’s innovative and technological industries are also flourishing, and its free and open business environment is world-class.

Despite the temporary impact from the COVID-19 pandemic, he believes that, with the nation’s full support and the concerted efforts of residents, Hong Kong will surely overcome all difficulties, make a fresh start and attain new achievements.