Wang Huning presides over the opening meeting of the first session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 4, 2023. (PHOTO / XINHUA)

National political advisers from Hong Kong and Macao said senior Chinese leader Wang Huning’s expectations reflected the central government’s care and support for the special administrative regions’ development, and chartered directions for their future work.

On Wednesday, Wang, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, met with the 14th CPPCC National Committee members from Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions in a group meeting at the two sessions in Beiijng.

A CPPCC National Committe member from Hong Kong, Connie Wong Wai-ching, also a business leader, said she felt the support of the country expressed in Wang's expectations, which gave her more confidence in the country and in Hong Kong's long-term development and prosperity

During the meeting, Wang called on the members to work hard to facilitate the implementation of the “one country, two systems” and better promote its achievement and advantages to overseas communities. He also encouraged the members put forward practical proposals to help the SARs further integrate into national development and address critical livelihood issues.

Martin Liao Cheung-kong, a Hong Kong lawmaker and member of the CPPCC National Committee, said Wang’s words reflected his concern for Hong Kong people’s livelihood issues – such as housing, employment and youth development. He also made clear his specific expectations for Hong Kong’s CPPCC members to perform their duties, which will help them to focus on critical issues affecting Hong Kong’s development.

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Another Hong Kong member, Connie Wong Wai-ching, who is also a business leader, said she felt the support of the country expressed in Wang's expectations, which gave her more confidence in the country and in Hong Kong's long-term development and prosperity.

Brian Li Man-bun, co-chief executive of the Bank of East Asia, said Wang's remarks demonstrated the central government’s confidence in Hong Kong’s prospects. The banker also said Hong Kong could continue to function as a connector between the nation and the world, and to fully leverage the city’s strengths in the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the whole country.

Kou Kam-fai, a Macao member of the CPPCC National Committee, said during the meeting that he had shared his views on boosting understanding and recognition among Macao’s youth of Chinese culture, and the city’s educational communications with the mainland.

He noted that the next five years will be a crucial period for the nation’s modernization. It is of great importance to firmly uphold the principle of “one country, two systems” and “patriots administering Macao”, while actively promoting Macao economy’s diversified development to boost high-quality growth.

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Another Macao member, Chui Sai-cheong, said the meeting with Wang was quite encouraging. Wang briefed the members on the nation’s achievements and major national policies over the past decade as well as on the central government’s facilitations to Hong Kong and Macao.

The members will make every effort to promote the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin, and to help the city maximally leverage its advantages in national development, Chui said.