The nation’s sustained high-quality development has provided a solid foundation for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region’s progress, bolstering confidence in the city’s continued prosperity and stability, Hong Kong’s financial chief and business community have said.
Their remarks followed a speech by Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, at a gathering in Beijing on Wednesday to mark the Party’s 105th anniversary.
Xi underscored the need to unwaveringly implement the “one country, two systems” principle, while calling for continued efforts to advance the economic and social development of the Hong Kong and Macao SARs. He also stressed the importance of supporting the two cities in better integrating into and contributing to the nation’s broader development strategy.
In a social media post, the HKSAR government’s Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po said the speech charts the course ahead and sets clear goals for the next stage of development.
The nation’s sustained, stable, and high-quality development on its new journey is the greatest source of confidence for Hong Kong’s development, he said.
As the HKSAR government prepares to launch its inaugural five-year development blueprint and works to fully align with the country’s 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30), Chan vowed that the administration will remain steadfast in its conviction, strive tirelessly, and uphold principles while embracing innovation.
The financial secretary noted that the government will unite all sectors of society, fully leverage policy support from the central authorities, and capitalize on Hong Kong’s various strengths to make new and greater contributions to national rejuvenation.
ALSO READ: Chan: HK an export gateway for mainland tech enterprises
This will also inject stronger momentum into Hong Kong’s high-quality development and create a better life for the city’s residents, Chan added.
The Business and Professionals Alliance for Hong Kong (BPA), a major political group in the SAR, expressed full support for Xi’s speech, saying it maps out the route for Hong Kong’s future development and further strengthening public confidence in the steady and long-term implementation of the “one country, two systems” framework.
The BPA said Hong Kong’s prosperity and stability are inseparable from the motherland’s strong backing, calling on the city to seize opportunities arising from the national 15th Five-Year Plan across sectors, including innovation and technology, finance, and professional services, while accelerating its integration into and contribution to the country’s overall development.
The BPA also said that it will fully support the HKSAR government in governing in accordance with the law, and actively participate in promoting the Northern Metropolis project.
The group added that it will work to promote sustained economic growth and improvements in livelihoods, while continuing to support young people and ensure that the benefits of development can be shared among Hong Kong residents.
READ MORE: More measures planned to support mainland tech firms going global through HK
Wingco Lo Kam-wing, president of the Chinese Manufacturers’ Association of Hong Kong, said the city should take proactive measures to meet the nation’s expectations, including promoting high-quality development and actively participating in the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.
The HKSAR should also serve as a bridge in the country’s “dual circulation” strategy, expanding the city’s global market reach while enhancing the resilience of its industrial and supply chains, as well as its financial system, he said.
Lo also urged Hong Kong to deepen high-level international cooperation, actively tapping into emerging markets and those involved in the Belt and Road Initiative, while leveraging its unique role as a platform linking China and the rest of the world to foster cultural exchange and international economic and trade collaboration.
Contact the writer at gabylin@chinadailyhk.com
