Hong Kong members of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference gather for a photo outside the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on March 11, 2024, the day that the second session of the 14th National Committee of the CPPCC concluded. (PHOTO / CHINA NEWS SERVICE)

Hong Kong members sitting in the nation’s top legislature said that the things they learnt at the national two sessions have opened their eyes and boosted their confidence in the development of both the country and Hong Kong, and they are keen to share their experiences with Hong Kong people as soon as they return to the city.

The members were speaking on Monday, the last day of the National People’s Congress’ seven-day annual gathering.

Combined with the annual gathering of the National Committee of Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference — the country’s top political advisory body — the national two sessions served to set the direction of China’s future development

Over 2,900 NPC delegates from every part of the nation, including 36 from the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, were summoned to Beijing to attend the legislature’s annual session, which began on March 5, to deliberate on the government’s work report, propose motions and attend group discussions. Combined with the annual gathering of the National Committee of Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference — the country’s top political advisory body — the national two sessions served to set the direction of China’s future development.

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On Monday, the closing meeting of the second session of the 14th NPC was held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.

After the meeting, Allen Yeung Tak-bun, a Hong Kong deputy to the NPC, said that he had highlighted his special focus on the topic of "new quality productive forces". As a veteran engineer, Yeung said he had actively engaged in discussions and exchanged ideas with representatives from various sectors and industries across the country, aiming to deepen his understanding of how new quality productive forces can drive economic and social development, particularly in advancing the digital economy — an area he has been engaging in.

Yeung said that when he returns to Hong Kong, he plans to enhance cooperation and collaboration between the Chinese mainland and Hong Kong on ways to develop new quality productive forces. He added that he will convey the spirit of the just-concluded national two sessions and will transform that spirit it into practical actions, fueling the progress and prosperity of Hong Kong.

Another NPC delegate, Chu Lap-wai, said that this year’s session highlighted the central government’s unwavering commitment to pursuing high-quality development, particularly in the face of a global economic slowdown. 

He said the economic growth targets set during the two sessions are reasonable, and that this demonstrates China's prudent development strategy of seeking stability amidst a complex and ever-changing international environment.

Chu further underscored the significance of China's macroeconomic indicators, which not only showcase the country's steadfast confidence but also solidify its position as a core growth engine in the world.

Highlighting the strong support for Hong Kong from the central government, Chu stressed that with the advantages of "one country, two systems", the city can maintain long-term prosperity and stability while making substantial contributions to the nation’s overall progress.

Nancy Ip Yuk-yu, Hong Kong deputy to the NPC and president of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, pointed out that Hong Kong, with its strengths in education and scientific research, is well-positioned to contribute to the nation and to emerge as a leader in education, talent development and technological advancement.

READ MORE: HK deputies hail work report, vow to maximize city's potentials

Gordon Lam Chi-wing, a Hong Kong NPC deputy and chairman of the Hong Kong Technology Association, called for various sectors in Hong Kong to embrace new concepts such as "new quality productive forces".

He emphasized the importance of capitalizing on the SAR's international roles to effectively bring China's stories to the world. 

Lam also expressed his optimism about Hong Kong's bright future, particularly as the city can further combine its advantages with the development opportunities presented by the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

Contact the writer at lindaxi@chinadailyhk.com