National legislators from the Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions said the latest government work report delivered by Premier Li Qiang on Thursday set out the development direction and roles for the two SARs.

The legislators also pledged to help boost governance efficiency in the two SARs and promote better integration into national development, particularly in innovation.

When delivering the annual government work report at the opening of the fourth session of the 14th National People’s Congress (NPC), Li called for enhancing the governance efficiency of the Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions in accordance with the law.

He also highlights the two SARs’ roles in the country’s self-reliance in science and technology, noting that the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area will be developed into an international center for sci-tech innovation and become a world-class innovation engine.

Starry Lee Wai-king, Hong Kong's sole delegate to the NPC Standing Committee and the city’s Legislative Council president, said the government work report and the upcoming 15th Five-Year-Plan (2026-30) reflects the nation's “trust and expectation” for Hong Kong, particularly in sci-tech innovation.

Lee said that this year, the special administrative region government will formulate its first-ever five-year development plan. The seasoned lawmaker added that the Legislative Council will fully cooperate with the SAR government in conducting scientific research to ensure that the SAR’s planning aligns closely with that of the national 15th Five-Year Plan, and help the city define its role and contribute effectively within the context of national development.

Rock Chen Chung-nin, another Hong Kong NPC deputy, said the government work report underscores the central government's focus on Hong Kong's governance efficiency — an area the city has been actively improving.

On sci-tech innovation, Chen said it is a top priority for both Hong Kong and other Greater Bay Area cities. He said that he believes the Northern Metropolis will foster great industry-academia-research collaboration among the cities.

Another national legislator from Hong Kong, Priscilla Leung Mei-fun, said that the report makes clear Hong Kong's role in national development. As the city’s lawmaker, the LegCo is expected to handle key legislation in July related to the development of the Northern Metropolis, followed by a series of supporting bylaws to remove legal barriers and accelerate the new town’s development, Leung revealed.

Hong Kong NPC deputy Gordon Lam Chi-wing, who is also chief supply chain officer at Sinopec Hong Kong Ltd, said that the draft outline of the 15th Five-Year Plan, submitted on Thursday to China’s top legislature for deliberation, gives the Hong Kong SAR new strategic positioning that creates fresh opportunities for the city and the supply chain sector.

Lam also welcomed the inclusion of the Northern Metropolis in the draft outline, saying it will accelerate development of the innovation and technology hub and help Hong Kong align with the technological advances outlined in the government work report, providing new impetus for the city’s economic growth.

Hendrick Sin, a Hong Kong deputy to the NPC, said he was encouraged to hear Premier Li’s support for Hong Kong in leveraging its unique advantages and pursuing the opportunities arising from the Greater Bay Area.

“That provides significant opportunities for Hong Kong’s future development,” said Sin, who is also founding partner and chairman of China Prosperity Capital.

He added that Li’s remarks were particularly heartening for Hong Kong’s technology sector, as the report urges deeper collaboration between Hong Kong and the Chinese mainland in emerging industries, including biomedicine and integrated circuits.

Macao NPC deputy Ng Siu-lai pledged that she will take concrete action to enhance governance efficiency by advising the government — serving not only as a "mouthpiece" for public opinion but also as a "booster" in resolving difficulties, thus bridging residents and the government.

Ng, who is also chairwoman of the General Union of Neighbourhood Associations of Macau, said she will lead the union to deepen its role in Macao's social governance, leveraging its network to gather public input and push the SAR government to improve livelihoods, drive community development and strengthen the economy.

Contact the writer at amberwu@chinadailyhk.com