Xia, who arrived in the morning and took no questions from the press, started his tour at Hong Kong International Airport accompanied by Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu and Zheng Yanxiong, head of Beijing’s liaison office in the city.

He visited the Integrated Airport Centre, launched last year to support the three-runway system.

The HKMAO said Xia recognised that the airport was a globally renowned “golden brand” and Hong Kong had fully embraced its advantages as an international aviation hub under the backing of the motherland and through its connection to the world.

“In the new development era of Hong Kong’s transition from governance to prosperity, the central government will continue to support Hong Kong in expanding its aviation network and further consolidate and enhance Hong Kong’s status as an international aviation hub,” the statement quoted Xia as saying.

Most opinions in Hong Kong consultation support Article 23 security law: John Lee

The Beijing official was then seen at around 2pm arriving at government headquarters in Admiralty for briefings from Lee and top officials in the afternoon.

A broad range of issues on the city’s economy, people’s livelihoods and regional governance were covered, “and certainly he was briefed on Article 23”, Chan said, referring to the proposed security legislation.

“Director Xia highly recognised and affirmed the work of this administration. [He] also said a lot of encouraging words to us, telling us to continue to unite and work hard to do our best for the people of Hong Kong,” he said.

Chan said Xia’s seven-day itinerary – longer than any of his previous visits – reflected the central authorities’ care and support for Hong Kong, adding that “preferential” measures for the city would be unveiled “when appropriate”.

Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po, who took part in a second briefing between Xia and officials that focused on the economy, technology, finance sector and housing policies, said the HKMAO director showed a very good understanding of the city’s situation.

“He encouraged us to continue to strive to do a better job and better leverage Hong Kong’s unique functions and status in the country’s development,” said Chan, who said those at the meeting felt “very assured” about the government’s financial health.

Chan recently predicted the public deficit would exceed HK$100 billion in the financial year ending March 31.

Lee hosted a dinner for Xia at Government House, the city leader’s official residence, on Thursday night.

Police on Wednesday said they had strengthened their deployment to ensure a smoother visit, including dispatching the Counter Terrorism Response Unit and armoured vehicles to conduct “high-profile” patrols at different locations.

The HKMAO said one of the aims of the trip was to “work with the Hong Kong government and all sectors of society to plan a new stage of development for Hong Kong to better safeguard its long-term prosperity and stability and the long-term development of ‘one country, two systems’”.

Another aim was to follow up on a speech in December by Xi, who told Hong Kong to consolidate its role as an international financial, maritime and trade centre, reaffirming calls he first made during the city’s 25th anniversary of its return to Chinese rule in 2022.

Top Beijing official overseeing Hong Kong affairs starts 7-day visit on Thursday

Xi also pledged the central government would continue its commitment to the one country, two systems governing principle, the city’s capitalist system and way of life, as well as the implementation of the concept of “patriots” governing Hong Kong.

Professor Lau Siu-kai, a consultant at semi-official Beijing think tank the Chinese Association of Hong Kong and Macau Studies, said Xia’s pledge to plan new development with local stakeholders was consistent with Beijing’s increasing involvement in setting the city’s economic agenda.

“Beijing still hopes the Hong Kong government can demonstrate an activeness, and show some innovative spirit and courage in solving problems in a bold way, instead of just passively responding to Beijing’s instructions,” he said.

He said it was also essential for Xia to express public support for the Hong Kong government, while “behind the scenes he will surely tell you clearly and candidly whether you’re doing a good job”.

Head of Beijing office overseeing Hong Kong affairs to make fact-finding visit

Veteran political commentator Sonny Lo Shiu-hing said it was too early to draw conclusions on how Xia saw the work of the Lee’s administration as his visit had six days to go and he had not spoken publicly.

It remained unclear whether Xia would deliver a public speech during his visit.

Xia is expected to meet members of the Executive Council as well as the chairs and deputy chairs of Legislative Council panels on Friday morning.

A closed-door exchange between Xia and the city’s tycoons will be held later on Friday, with a handful of attendees expected to be called upon to give three-minute speeches specifically on Hong Kong’s business environment and prospects.

A one-month government consultation exercise on the proposed legislation runs until February 28.

Xia’s trip will conclude on Wednesday next week, the day finance chief Chan delivers his annual budget speech.

Additional reporting by Harvey Kong