Prospects for development lauded in HK, Macao

Xi Jinping's report to the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China sets out clear directions and brings fresh opportunities for the future development of the Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions, said leaders of various sectors in the two cities.

Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said in a post on his social media page on Sunday that Xi's report is a "stabilizer" in advancing development in the Hong Kong SAR, and it's inspiring to see that he mentioned "one country, two systems" and Hong Kong and Macao multiple times. This fully demonstrates the importance the central government attaches to the two SARs, he added.

Lee urged various sectors in Hong Kong, working in solidarity, to familiarize themselves with the messages from the 20th CPC National Congress and help the city better integrate into the nation's development while contributing to national rejuvenation.

Chief Executive of the Macao SAR Ho Iat-seng said that Xi's report has given a clear direction to Macao for the successful practice of "one country, two systems" and has greatly bolstered Macao residents' confidence in the city's development.

Ho said that Xi's report has comprehensively summarized the outstanding achievements of the CPC since the country entered the new era and scientifically planned the goals, tasks and policies for the nation's and the Party's development in the next five years and beyond.

He pledged that the Macao SAR government would continue to promote the successful practice of "one country, two systems" to make new contributions to the country.

Leung Chun-ying, vice-chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, said the nation has always been the largest and best platform for Hong Kong's development.

Tam Yiu-chung, a Hong Kong member of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, called on local society to be actively engaged in Hong Kong's new stage of development by supporting the Hong Kong SAR government's law-based governance and fueling economic growth.

The city's major political parties also pledged to diligently assume their duty in promoting economic revival, and to facilitate the government in achieving good governance.

Influential business figures in Hong Kong also spoke highly of Xi's speech. Allen Shi Lop-tak, president of the Chinese Manufacturers' Association of Hong Kong, said the report reflects the CPC's deep concerns about Hong Kong's economy and people's livelihoods and the great importance it attaches to the city's role in the country's reform and opening-up.

Hong Kong is expected to proactively strengthen the advantages of "two systems" and give full play to its role as a bridge between national development and the global market to enhance its competitiveness, and consolidate the foundation for the city's long-term stability and prosperity, said lawmaker Erik Yim Kong, who is also vice-chairman of the China Merchants Port Group.

Leading Hong Kong scientist Chan Ching-chuen and Kenneth Fok Kaikong, who represents the sports, performing arts, culture and publication sectors in the Legislative Council, cited the report's references to the nation's scientific and cultural development. They believe related national strategies will offer abundant opportunities for Hong Kong in the two sectors.

Social groups and local residents in Hong Kong organized various activities to welcome the 20th CPC National Congress.

On Sunday, Hong Kong Tramway Workers Union members waved national and Hong Kong SAR flags in an elaborately decorated tram on Hong Kong Island to celebrate the convening of the congress.

Liu Yifan contributed to this story.