BEIJING – President Xi Jinping yesterday voiced the hope that Hong Kong and Macau will further develop themselves by embracing the nation’s cause of reform and opening-up.
Compatriots in Hong Kong and Macau are expected to continue participating in the country’s reform and opening-up with sincere patriotism and pioneering spirit, attain the greater development of the two special administrative regions (SARs) by promoting the development of the country, and jointly work for national rejuvenation, Xi said when meeting with a delegation from the two SARs at the Great Hall of the People.
Hong Kong and Macau still hold unique positions, have unique strengths and will play an irreplaceable role in reform and opening-up in the new era, he stressed.
The delegation was visiting Beijing to celebrate the 40th anniversary of reform and opening-up. Vice Premier Han Zheng also attended the meeting.
At the meeting, members of the delegation, including Hong Kong SAR Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor and Macau SAR Chief Executive Fernando Chui Sai On expressed a high degree of recognition of the country’s cause of reform and opening-up and the “one country, two systems” principle. They also offered proposals on how to advance the cause and implement the principle.
Fully recognizing the contributions made by Hong Kong and Macau compatriots and extending sincere gratitude to them, Xi said the reform and opening-up over the past four decades was a cause that Hong Kong, Macau and the mainland complemented one another on and prospered together with, while the two regions integrated their own development into the overall development of the country.
“We should fully understand the roles that Hong Kong and Macau will play in the country’s reform and opening-up in the new era, and support them in seizing opportunities and riding the momentum to foster new advantages, play new roles, achieve new development and make new contributions,” he said.
Xi’s hopes for HK & Macau
Xi said he hopes Hong Kong and Macau can contribute to the country’s comprehensive opening-up in a more proactive manner, take the lead in attracting capital, technology and talents, and take part in national high-quality economic development and the new round of high-level opening-up.
Xi said that Hong Kong and Macau should integrate themselves more proactively into the country’s overall development while honing their abilities to foster new momentum for economic growth.
President Xi Jinping addresses a meeting with delegations from Hong Kong and Macau at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing yesterday. – Xinhua
Hong Kong and Macau delegation members, including Macau Legislative Assembly (AL) President Ho Iat Seng (centre, front), applaud as President Xi Jinping (right) arrives for a meeting with the delegations at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing yesterday. – Xinhua
