The central government will further leverage the Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions’ unique strengths and important roles, derived from the backing of the motherland and from their close links with the rest of the world.

Premier Li Qiang made the remarks on Thursday while delivering the Government Work Report at the opening of the fourth session of the 14th National People’s Congress, the country’s top legislature, in Beijing.

Compared with last year’s work report, which proposed supporting Hong Kong and Macao in better integrating into the overall national development, this year’s report adds support for Hong Kong and Macao not only to better integrate into, but also to contribute to it.

Li also emphasized the two cities’ role in China’s efforts to achieve greater self-reliance and strength in science and technology. He said the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, comprising nine cities in Guangdong province and the two SARs, will be developed into an international center for scientific and technological innovation and become a world-class innovation engine.

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The Greater Bay Area will continue to play its role in coordinated regional development. Li said the government will support the area, together with the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region and the Yangtze River Delta, in building world-class city clusters. Last year’s report focused on boosting the innovation capacity of these economically developed regions and their role in driving the growth of surrounding areas.

The premier called for enhancing the governance efficiency of Hong Kong and Macao in accordance with the law.

He also reaffirmed the nation’s commitment to the policy of “one country, two systems”, under which the people of Hong Kong and Macao administer their cities with a high degree of autonomy.

Li attributed the country’s remarkable achievements over the past year to the central government’s leadership and the united efforts of all sectors of society, including Hong Kong and Macao compatriots.

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During the NPC session, which runs through March 12, deputies from Hong Kong and Macao together with their counterparts nationwide will deliberate the Government Work Report. Members of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference — including those from the two SARs — are also discussing the report during their session, which began on Wednesday and concludes on March 11.

Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu and Macao Chief Executive Sam Hou-fai, who attended the opening meeting, said they are encouraged by the work report and the support outlined for the two cities.

Noting that this year is the opening year of the nation’s 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30) and a crucial year for further deepening reform comprehensively, Lee said the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government will draw up the city’s first five-year development plan, which he aims to complete within the year, to provide a clear road map and timetable for Hong Kong’s social, economic and livelihood development.

He added that the government will continue to consolidate and enhance Hong Kong’s status as an international financial, shipping and trade center, while accelerating efforts to build it into a global innovation and technology center and a hub for high-caliber talent.

“The HKSAR government will also redouble its efforts to protect and improve people’s livelihoods, and open up a broader arena for the upward mobility of Hong Kong’s youth,” Lee said.

Sam said, “Integrating into and contributing to the nation’s overall development is the foundation for Macao’s sustainable growth.”

As this year marks the launch of the drafting and implementation of Macao’s Third Five-Year Plan for Social and Economic Development (2026-2030), Sam said the city will fully leverage the institutional strengths of “one country, two systems” and its unique blend of Chinese and Western cultures to enhance its overall competitiveness.

Macao will promote the growth of priority industries, including modern finance, traditional Chinese medicine, and conventions and exhibitions, accelerating its appropriate economic diversification, Sam said.

Contact the writer at irisli@chinadailyhk.com