Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Thursday called for enhancing the governance efficiency of the Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions in accordance with the law.

The premier made the remarks while delivering the government work report at the opening of the fourth session of the 14th National People’s Congress — the nation’s top legislature.

He reaffirmed the nation's commitment to the policy of “one country, two systems”, under which the people of Hong Kong and Macao administer their cities with a high degree of autonomy.

Emphasizing more effective governance in accordance with the law in Hong Kong and Macao, Li also said the two SARs should further leverage their unique strengths and important roles — derived from the backing of the motherland and from their close links with the rest of the world — to achieve long-term prosperity and stability.

Li also stressed the importance of more coordinated regional development, saying that the nation will optimize functional zoning to help localities better “leverage their comparative advantages based on their defined functions”.

As this year marks the beginning of 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30), he urged all sectors to forge ahead with one heart and one mind to accomplish the objectives and tasks for this year’s economic and social development, and get off to a good start in implementing the new national plan.

The blueprint has been drawn up, and the time for action has come, Li said.

Contact the writer at amberwu@chinadailyhk.com