Stronger together is the key takeaway from National Day
- President Xi Jinping and Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee both highlighted that there were many challenges ahead, but also emphasised that adherence to the ‘one country, two systems’ principle would benefit both the nation and the city
National Day offers an opportunity for celebration and reflection, particularly at a time when optimism and anxiety are both prevalent in the minds of many.
The country has fully emerged from the Covid-19 pandemic, forging ahead with economic and social development again with hope and confidence.
The steady growth is also benefiting Hong Kong’s recovery, although the pace is still short of expectations. The local government must better address the immediate and long-term problems facing the city, while tapping the opportunities from the country’s advance and continuing to contribute to national development.
Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu has acknowledged the need to work harder.
In his speech marking the 74th anniversary of the People’s Republic of China on Sunday, the Hong Kong leader sought to play up the post-Covid recovery.
Citing a wealth of glowing figures in consumption, tourism and exports of services during the year, he assured the community that the economy was gradually improving.
This is just part of the picture, though. Government figures showed total exports of goods plunged further by 15.2 per cent year on year in real terms in the second quarter amid weak external demand.
Despite a 1. 5 per cent real GDP growth year on year, there was actually a 1.3 per cent drop in real GDP on a seasonally adjusted quarter-to-quarter comparison.
As Lee admits, the city is facing an ever-changing environment where “opportunities and challenges coexist”.
Mainland China is in the same situation. At a National Day reception, President Xi Jinping said the country’s future remained bright, but the journey ahead would not be smooth.
He reiterated that the policy of “one country, two systems” must continue to be fully, faithfully and unswervingly implemented.
The country would continue to enable Hong Kong and Macau to play to their strengths and support the two regions’ participation in the Greater Bay Area development plan, he said.
The assurances should help stabilise confidence amid testing times. Over the past two decades, the strong support from the central government has proved to be the best safeguard for Hong Kong.
From the Closer Economic Partnership Agreement with the mainland to the Belt and Road Initiative, the measures have opened doors for new opportunities and growth.
As long as the community stays confident and united, there is much to gain under the country’s growth and development.
Citing an old Chinese saying – “great accomplishments require ambition and tireless effort”, Lee pledged to work hard in improving the economy and people’s livelihood. With unity and confidence, a better chapter will surely unfold.
