Hong Kong urged to focus on economic progress, align with national development

The head of Beijing’s liaison office in Hong Kong has called on the city to focus on economic progress, proactively align with national development and strengthen the executive-led governance model.

Office director Zhou Ji made the remarks on Wednesday at a reception to celebrate the coming Lunar New Year, highlighting Beijing’s expectations for Hong Kong in keeping with the country’s 15th five-year plan. He also urged Hongkongers to overcome adversity by embracing the “Lion Rock Spirit” and stand united.

Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu outlined four key priorities for the coming year in his speech at the event hosted by the office: deepening integration into national development; boosting the economy; improving residents’ livelihoods; and optimising the executive-led mechanism.

Zhou, attending the event for the first time since assuming office in May last year, urged Hong Kong to achieve high-quality economic development.

“I believe Hong Kong will better coordinate development and security, and cultivate new-quality productive forces based on local conditions,” he said.

“Be a reformer who braves challenges rather than a complacent idler so as to solidly advance high-quality economic development.”