The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region will persist in aligning with the nation’s development strategy, leveraging its strengths to advance the economy and livelihoods, and uphold social stability, the city’s leader said on Wednesday as the SAR kicked off celebrations marking the 76th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China.

John Lee Ka-chiu spoke at a reception hosted by the HKSAR government to mark the occasion following a traditional flag-raising ceremony at Golden Bauhinia Square in Wan Chai.

With local and central government officials, leading business figures, and other dignitaries in attendance, he highlighted the country’s remarkable journey and notable achievements over the past three quarters of a century, pledging Hong Kong’s continued proactive alignment with the national development strategy.

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The SAR, he said, will continue to leverage its unique advantages under “one country, two systems,” pointing to the ongoing efforts being made in several key areas, such as safeguarding national security, economic development, enhancing livelihoods, and deepening reforms.

Hong Kong aims to strike a balance between security and development, ensuring top-notch security to steer high-quality growth, Lee said, affirming the city’s full commitment to ensuring the success of the 8th Legislative Council elections to be held in December.

He also emphasized the ongoing efforts to boost economic growth and enhance people’s livelihoods, noting the interconnected nature of these goals and that economic progress would lead to more job opportunities, higher wages, and an improved ability for the government to serve residents, enabling them to swiftly reap the benefits of economic development.

The chief executive vowed to continue implementing the policies and directions outlined in his latest Policy Address, with a specific focus on driving the deepened reforms of the SAR government and society to adapt to the economic transition amid a rapidly changing global landscape and fast-paced technological progress.

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He said economic transition is an essential step for Hong Kong to move towards a more robust economy. With a firm belief that unity, innovation, and a willingness to embrace reforms are imperative, he’s confident that Hong Kong, as the “Pearl of the Orient”, holds promise for even greater prosperity and success in the future.

With festivities beginning across the city with the flag-raising ceremony, the Police Band performed at the ceremony, and a choir from Hotung Secondary School and King's College sang the national anthem, led by singers Lam Kwok-ho and Li Yang.

This was followed by a sea parade by the disciplined services, while a helicopter from the Government Flying Service flew over the Golden Bauhinia Square carrying the Chinese national flag, with another helicopter flying by its side.

Another flag-raising ceremony was held at the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR. Zhou Ji, director of the office, and other officials attended the event.

The highlight of Hong Kong's National Day celebration will be a grand fireworks spectacle of more than 30,000 fireworks illuminating the evening sky above Victoria Harbor. A National Day gala will be held on Thursday evening.

Residents will be treated to a wide array of discounts, covering public transport, admission to amusement parks, cinemas, stores, and eateries.

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Tourists from the Chinese mainland are expected to arrive in droves, taking advantage of the mainland’s eight-day National Day and Mid-Autumn “golden week” holidays from Oct 1-8. More than 1.54 million passenger trips to Hong Kong are expected to be made, up 11 percent compared with the same period last year.

To meet the upsurge in visitors, Hong Kong has made special arrangements to facilitate services at cross-boundary checkpoints, transportation and the dissemination of information.

Contact the writer at amberwu@chinadailyhk.com