Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu on Tuesday vowed to lead the Hong Kong SAR government to surmount all difficulties and disruptions to drive the city’s high-quality development.
Lee was responding to the calls made by Xia Baolong, the nation’s top official overseeing Hong Kong and Macao affairs, via a video speech at the opening ceremony of the National Security Education Day celebrations held in Hong Kong on Monday.
During the speech, Xia, director of the Hong Kong and Macao Work Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, called on the city to keep together and adopt new mindset to boost the economy and tackle deep-seated issues.
The industrial and commercial sectors need to adapt to the changes in the economic development process and bravely explore new avenues for growth, said Lee. As for the city’s youth, they are called upon to acquire new knowledge, broaden their horizons, and strive to realize their personal values
Talking to media on Tuesday, Lee said Xia’s words serve as encouragement for the whole of Hong Kong.
Lee said all sectors of society should play their part in building a better homeland and contributing to the construction of Hong Kong.
The industrial and commercial sectors need to adapt to the changes in the economic development process and bravely explore new avenues for growth, said Lee. As for the city’s youth, they are called upon to acquire new knowledge, broaden their horizons, and strive to realize their personal values.
Noting that Hong Kong is currently experiencing a new era of economic development, Lee pointed out that Hong Kong has always found new opportunities during periods of transformation in the past. He said he believes that Hong Kong people can recognize changes and actively face these transformations, give play to the traditional Lion Rock spirit and forge ahead to write new chapter of development.
Tapping into the Chinese mainland market is a common aspiration of various regions globally, and Hong Kong possesses exceptional geographical advantages, Lee said.
By actively integrating into the overall development of the country, Hong Kong stands to benefit directly and extensively, Lee continued.
Noting that the nation is SAR’s strongest support and will continue to introduce policies that benefit Hong Kong, Lee called on the city to make every effort to forge ahead and seize the opportunity to scale new heights.
Lee also expressed his gratitude to Xia for the his care and support for Hong Kong. Citing Xia’s remarks, Lee stated that the implementation of Safeguarding National Security Ordinance is a significant milestone for Hong Kong and now the city has erected a barrier for national security. He further emphasized that now is the best time to strive for economic development and improve people’s livelihoods.
The ordinance was enacted on March 23 and aims to prohibit five types of crimes that endanger national security, including treason, insurrection, and theft of State secrets.
