CE attends opening meeting of NPC annual session in Beijing (with photos)

     The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, today (March 5) attended the opening meeting of the second session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC).
      
     The second session of the 14th NPC commenced in Beijing this morning, during which Premier Li Qiang delivered the government work report. Mr Lee attended the opening meeting in his capacity as the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR).
      
     Premier Li reviewed in the government work report the work in 2023. He also outlined the overall requirements and policy direction for economic and social development and major tasks of the government in 2024.
      
     Premier Li reiterated that we should continue to fully, faithfully and resolutely implement the principle of "one country, two systems", "Hong Kong people administering Hong Kong" and a high degree of autonomy in the HKSAR, maintaining the constitutional order and implementing the principle of "patriots administering Hong Kong". He said he supported Hong Kong in strengthening the economy and improving people's livelihood, and leveraging the city's strengths and characteristics to actively participate in the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, with a view to better integrating into the overall national development and maintaining the long-term prosperity and stability of Hong Kong. Premier Li also expressed his support in the government report for regions with advantages in economic development, including the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, to better play their role as power sources for high-quality development.
      
     Mr Lee said he was most encouraged, adding that this year marks the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. It is a crucial year for achieving the targets laid out in the 14th Five-Year Plan and is of great significance to the practice of "one country, two systems". Mr Lee said that with the guidance and support of the Central Government, the HKSAR Government will continue to fully, faithfully and resolutely implement the principles of "one country, two systems", "Hong Kong people administering Hong Kong" and a high degree of autonomy, and give full play to the power and value of "patriots administering Hong Kong" and unite all walks of life, sparing no efforts in pursuing economic growth and improving people's livelihood. It will also fully grasp the immense opportunities brought to Hong Kong by such national strategies as the 14th Five-Year Plan, the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, and the Belt and Road Initiative, actively integrating into the overall national development and enhancing international competitiveness.
      
     Mr Lee said, "During the 'two sessions', deputies to the NPC and members of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) will scrutinise and discuss the government work report respectively. I appeal to the HKSAR deputies to the NPC and HKSAR members of the National Committee of the CPPCC to proactively fulfil their duties and responsibilities and continue to put forward more constructive suggestions and proposals to play an active role in their work. I wish the 'two sessions' every success."