HONG KONG – Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu pledged on Friday that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) will “accelerate its pace” to seize opportunities and play a greater role in the nation’s development.

In a keynote speech at the Chinese New Year reception of Hong Kong Federation of Fujian Associations (HKFFA), Lee emphasized that 2026 marks the beginning of the country’s 15th Five-Year Plan.

He said that Hong Kong will fully leverage its unique advantages under the “one country, two systems” principle, support by the motherland and global connections to contribute more significantly in areas such as finance, shipping, trade, and innovation.

Drawing upon the Year of the Horse theme, Lee said the SAR is “galloping forward” to actively integrate and serve overall national development.  

“Currently, our motherland is like a strong and swift steed, covering a thousand miles a day with swift and steady strides on the great road of high-quality development. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region is also galloping forward without rest, proactively connecting with the national strategy and integrating into the grand scheme of national development at full speed,” he said.

Lee praised HKFFA as a core patriotic force, uniting residents originally from Fujian, actively participating in social affairs, and supporting the government.

Other distinguished guests also shared their expectations. Sun Shangwu, deputy director of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in HKSAR, noted that 2026 is full of opportunities, with the Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China charting a new blueprint for high-quality development.

Lin Wenbin, vice-chairman of the Fujian Provincial Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, urged the association to remain a “ballast stone” for patriotism, a “heart-to-heart bridge” for Fujian-Hong Kong cooperation, and a promoter of Fujian’s image.

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HKFFA chairman Sze Ching-lau said that the association will uphold its principles, firmly support “one country, two systems,” and act as a steadfast guardian of Hong Kong’s stability. He added that the group will continue to deepen Fujian-Hong Kong exchanges in finance, commerce, culture, tourism, and talent.

The reception was also attended by dignitaries including Chen Feng, deputy director of the Office for Safeguarding National Security of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR; Zhang Changwei, deputy commissioner of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China in the HKSAR; Legislative Council President Starry Lee Wai-king; and Executive Council Convenor Regina Ip Lau Suk-yee.