President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan wave to the welcoming party upon arrival at Hong Kong’s West Kowloon high-speed rail station, June 30, 2022. (PHOTO / XINHUA)
President Xi Jinping’s visit to Hong Kong on Thursday, set against the jubilant backdrop of the 25th anniversary of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, was welcomed by the local business sector, with his speech evoking their patriotism and palpable optimism toward the city’s future.
Erik Yim Kong, a Legislative Council member representing the commercial sector, said that Xi’s first trip outside the Chinese mainland since the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak, communicates his and the central government’s heartfelt care and concern for the HKSAR. “The SAR will have a brighter future with the central government’s strongest support,” he said.
ALSO READ: Xi hails 'one country, two systems', says heart with HK
The jubilant mood on the eve of Hong Kong’s big day – the 25th anniversary of its return to the motherland – was evident everywhere in the city, and it’s hoped President Xi Jinping’s visit will enhance the zesty spirit and help it go from strength to strength
Upon his arrival in the city, Xi gave a brief speech at the West Kowloon high-speed rail station. “Tomorrow marks the 25th anniversary of Hong Kong’s return to the motherland. People of all ethnic groups across the country will join Hong Kong compatriots in celebrating this joyous event. I would like to extend my warm congratulations and best wishes to the compatriots of Hong Kong,” said Xi.
Mentions of the “one country, two systems” policy peppered the enthusiastic remarks of Xi, who is also the general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission. “One country, two systems” guarantees Hong Kong’s long-term prosperity and stability and ensures the well-being of Hong Kong compatriots, he said.
Yim agreed that “‘one country, two systems’ is the unique advantage of the SAR, it also serves as a solid foundation for the SAR’s long-term prosperity and stability. The principle, tested over the past 25 years, shows its strong vitality. ‘The Pearl of the Orient’ will be more brilliant only if the city makes full use of the advantage of ‘two systems’ under ‘one country’ and integrates itself into the nation’s development,” he said.
ALSO READ: Xi meets HKSAR CE Carrie Lam
Christopher Cheung Wah-fung, a former LegCo member, and founder and CEO of Christfund Securities, said: “We are happy and grateful that President Xi came to Hong Kong in person to attend the 25th anniversary celebration. President Xi noted in his speech that the city has weathered and risen from the previous elements, under the ‘one country, two systems’, which demonstrated the principle’s strong vitality and potency.”
“I believe the city will thrive and be prosperous if we continue our efforts to build the city,” he said. “Hong Kong is also one of the most important financial hubs for the country. President Xi’s concerns towards the city enhance our confidence in the city’s future, I believe the SAR’s financial sector will have a brighter future.”
People cross the road decorated with national flags and Hong Kong Special Administrative Region flags above to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to the motherland in Tsim Sha Tsui on June 17, 2022. (CALVIN NG / CHINA DAILY)
Sophia Hui, deputy CEO of Huafu International (HK) Financial Holdings, said that Xi’s visit for the celebration of the 25th anniversary of the HKSAR’s establishment boosted Hong Kong people’s confidence significantly.
Echoing Xi’s remarks, Allen Shi Lop-tak, president of the Chinese Manufacturers’ Association of Hong Kong, said that Hong Kong had endured many formidable challenges over the past few years.
ALSO READ: HKSAR July 1 celebrations
While the city is finding its way back to the right track on all fronts and recovering from those spells of adversity, Hong Kong’s societal vitality and economic zeal still call for a speedy resurrection, said Shi.
“We believe President Xi’s arrival will boost the confidence of Hong Kong people (on the path to recovery). And we hope he could direct Hong Kong to perfect its political and constitutional development, economic improvement and people’s livelihoods, to enable Hong Kong to progress at full tilt on the journey from restoring to orders, towards greater prosperity” he added.
A man tours an exhibition to mark the 25th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to its motherland in Hong Kong on June 24, 2022. (KIN CHEUNG / AP)
Hailing the central government’s support that has helped Hong Kong overcome myriad challenges over the past 25 years, Wong Yuk-shan, chairman of the Research Grants Council, said he envisions the “one country, two systems” principle continuing to play a pivotal role in the city’s long-term prosperity and stability.
“The National Security Law for Hong Kong and the improved electoral system have returned confidence to the city,” said Wong.
Xi’s first trip outside the Chinese mainland since the pandemic outbreak shows the central government’s special care for the HKSAR, said Wong. “I’m so excited and motivated today as I know Hong Kong is now entering a crucial stage of advancing to prosperity,” he said.
The jubilant mood on the eve of Hong Kong’s big day – the 25th anniversary of its return to the motherland – was evident everywhere in the city, and it’s hoped Xi’s visit will enhance the zesty spirit and help it go from strength to strength.