In this undated file photo, Hong Kong Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po gives an interview. (ZOU HONG / CHINA DAILY)
Government officials in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region see a clearer blueprint for the city’s future after discussing the spirit of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China on Saturday.
Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po said in his Sunday blog that Hong Kong is duty-bound to integrate itself into the overall development of the country, and should strive hard with the Chinese mainland to gradually achieve long-term stability and prosperity.
“The essential requirement for modernization with Chinese characteristics is to uphold the leadership of the Communist Party of China, uphold socialism with Chinese characteristics, achieve high-quality development, and create a new form of civilization,” Chan said.
Promoting high-quality economic development is a key part of China’s modernization drive, while Hong Kong is uniquely positioned to make positive contributions, including expanding and strengthening the financial services sector to better support the development of the real economy in Hong Kong and the country, Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po said
Promoting high-quality economic development is a key part of China’s modernization drive, while Hong Kong is uniquely positioned to make positive contributions, including expanding and strengthening the financial services sector to better support the development of the real economy in Hong Kong and the country, he said.
Hong Kong should give full play to the institutional advantages of “one country, two systems”, the Chinese mainland’s huge market and the regional edges of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, Chan added.
“Innovation and technology can better drive the development of finance and other industries, and better integrate the strength of government, industry, universities and research institutes to commercialize research achievements and foster the growth by innovative applications,” Chan said.
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Chan attended the first of two seminars on the spirit of the 20th National Congress with some 600 other participants, including HKSAR government officials, members of the Executive Council and Legislative Council, and representatives from the Judiciary.
About 500 representatives from various sectors of the community were invited to attend the second seminar, including Hong Kong deputies to the National People's Congress, Hong Kong members of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, representatives from major political organizations and community groups, industrial and commercial sectors, professional sectors, education sectors, media organizations, and youth representatives.
Addressing the seminar, Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said the report of the 20th National Congress profoundly concluded the “great changes and brilliant achievements” of the country in the new era over the past 10 years.
“The spirit of the 20th National Congress is vital to the development of our country and Hong Kong, the great rejuvenation of our nation, the steadfast and successful implementation of the ‘one country, two systems’ principle, and the long-term prosperity and stability of Hong Kong,” Lee said.
In the social work sphere, the Labour and Welfare Bureau also held a workshop to help deepen understanding of the congress.
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Secretary for Labour and Welfare Chris Sun Yuk-han said the SAR government’s policies will follow the guiding thoughts to address people’s concerns and difficulties in daily life and to help with realizing people’s aspirations for a better life.
Sun added the city will better leverage its advantages in being able to enjoy the strong support of the Chinese mainland and being closely connected to the world under the principle of "one country, two systems".
Director of Social Welfare Charmaine Lee Pui-sze said the country has been developing rapidly and has made remarkable achievements in targeted poverty alleviation, particularly in the past decade.
Lee said she hopes that all sectors can work together to support Hong Kong in better integrating into the overall development of the country, building a good and interactive partnership with the government, and optimizing the city’s social welfare system.
Contact the writer at evanliu@chinadailyhk.com