Xia affirms Hong Kong's work: CE

Senior Beijing official Xia Baolong has affirmed Hong Kong’s efforts in drafting the city’s first five-year plan and various development projects, according to Chief Executive John Lee.

Speaking to the media after seeing off the director of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office at the Shenzhen Bay port marking the end of his two-day visit to the SAR, Lee said Xia's inspection covered various aspects such as the Northern Metropolis, land planning, housing supply, education and innovation development.

The chief executive also said Xia affirmed the SAR government’s work.

“Director Xia gave four affirmations as he concluded the inspection visit. First, he recognised the SAR government’s determination in drafting Hong Kong’s first five-year plan,” Lee said.

“The second affirmation was given to the SAR’s efforts in safeguarding national security, safeguarding high-level development with high-level security.

“He also recognised Hong Kong’s economic development, as well as its development in innovation and technology.

“I thanked Director Xia for his guidance, care and support for Hong Kong.”

Lee said Xia also expressed his hope that Hong Kong’s first five-year plan would be a strategic and operable guiding document.

The Beijing official also requested the CE to set goals based on the blueprint in the annual policy address and update relevant progress there, Lee said.

“The CE’s policy address will set targets according to the five-year plan, implement relevant policies and report progress annually.

“This approach will align with the country’s practice, as our country also has an annual work report, and Hong Kong’s policy address delivered by the CE will be similar with targets and progress reports.”

The chief executive said he was inspired by Xia’s inspection visit, saying the SAR would go all out to formulate its first five-year blueprint and seize the opportunities brought by the national 15th Five-Year Plan.

Lee said the SAR would accelerate the development of Northern Metropolis, which is an important engine for the city’s economic and social development.

Edited by Edmond Fong ...