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Published: 09:35, January 19, 2023 | Updated: 10:06, January 19, 2023
Hong Kong aims for full normalization
By Xi Tianqi in Hong Kong
Published:09:35, January 19, 2023 Updated:10:06, January 19, 2023 By Xi Tianqi in Hong Kong

Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu (ninth left) poses for a group photo with guests and young opera and martial arts performers at the awards presentation ceremony for the Ten Key Events of HKSAR Government in 2022 campaign at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre on Jan 18, 2023. (CALVIN NG / CHINA DAILY)

Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said 2022 was a remarkable year because Hong Kong had been able to comprehensively implement the “patriots administering Hong Kong” principle, and move out the shadow of the pandemic and get back on the track of development.

In the new year, he vows to lead the city in ushering in a brand-new start, with daily lives returning to normal and comprehensive quarantine-free travel with the Chinese mainland.

He also aims to create brighter prospects for economic revival and livelihood improvements, and to fully leverage the city’s considerable advantages to help the nation further connect with the world.

President Xi Jinping’s inspection tour of Hong Kong on June 30 and July 1 to mark the 25th anniversary of the city’s return to the motherland was rated the most important event in an annual citywide campaign held to select the 10 most important events relating to the Special Administrative Region government’s work

Lee made these remarks on Wednesday at an awards ceremony for an annual citywide campaign held to select the 10 most important events relating to the Special Administrative Region government’s work.

President Xi Jinping’s inspection tour of Hong Kong on June 30 and July 1 to mark the 25th anniversary of the city’s return to the motherland was rated the most important event.

The community’s learning and implementation of the spirit of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, and the chief executive election on May 8 ranked second and third.

Other significant events included the opening of the Hong Kong Palace Museum, the SAR government’s request to the National People’s Congress Standing Committee for an interpretation of the National Security Law for Hong Kong, the relaxation of anti-pandemic curbs, and initiatives for tackling housing problems and improving transportation.

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Lee noted that these events reflected the central government’s firm support of the HKSAR, and highlighted the city’s progress in establishing a patriots-led administration, improvements to residents’ living quality and Hong Kong’s bid to reconnect with the international community and enable its residents to resume normal lives.

Lee hailed the initial stage of normal travel resumption with the mainland on Jan 8 as the first major event of 2023, adding that in the first 10 days of travel resumption — from Jan 8 to 17 — nearly 400,000 people had traveled from one side of the border to the other via land ports without quarantine.

Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu hailed the initial stage of normal travel resumption with the mainland on Jan 8 as the first major event of 2023, adding that in the first 10 days of travel resumption — from Jan 8 to 17 — nearly 400,000 people had traveled from one side of the border to the other via land ports without quarantine

He believes that when the city’s top 10 events of 2023 are selected, travel resumption will definitely be included, and the COVID-19 pandemic will no longer be on the list.

Lee also hopes travel resumption can give a shot in the arm to Hong Kong’s pandemic-hit industries, such as those in the business, catering, retail, tourism and exhibition sectors, and enable the city to further integrate into national development and tap into opportunities arising from the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area blueprint.

At the awards ceremony, Li Dahong, chairman and editor-inchief of Hong Kong Ta Kung Wen Wei Media Group, said the campaign for 2022 saw unprecedented enthusiasm from residents, with more than 160,000 people voting for  the selections.

Witnessing all the impressive events, 2022 was of extraordinary significance to the city and the nation and marked a new starting point for “one country, two systems”, he said. He hopes the city will stand tall and strong and seek greater prosperity in the stages ahead.

READ MORE: HK groups eye mainland visits to reboot collaboration

The ceremony was also attended by officials of HKSAR-based central government departments, and representatives from local political and business communities, social organizations, and the cultural sector.

The campaign was initiated by Wen Wei Po and co-organized by 23 local media groups, including China Daily Hong Kong, Ta Kung Pao, Hong Kong China News Agency, and 55 local organizations, including the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce and the Federation of Hong Kong Industries. Since its launch in 1998, the campaign has been successfully held for 24 years and serves as a bridge between the government and residents.


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