Jamie Liu

Beijing will continue to implement the "one country, two systems" principle in Hong Kong and Macau while supporting the two SARs in growing their economies, Premier Li Qiang said.

This came as Li delivered the government's work report at the opening of the annual session of the National People's Congress.

Li said: "We will fully, accurately and resolutely implement the 'one country, two systems,' under which the people of Hong Kong administer Hong Kong and the people of Macau administer Macau, both with a high degree of autonomy."

The premier vowed to safeguard the constitutional order in the SARs, affirmed by the Chinese Constitution and the Basic Law, and ensure that Hong Kong and Macau are administered by patriots.

For the first time in the government work report, Li called on Hong Kong and Macau to deepen international exchanges and cooperation.

He also affirmed Beijing's support for the two SARs to develop their economies, improve people's livelihoods, integrate into the overall national development and maintain long-term prosperity and stability.

Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu, who attended the meeting in Beijing, pledged to unite different sectors of society to embrace changes and better leverage Hong Kong's unique advantages under "one country, two systems."

In a statement, the state council's Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office said its director Xia Baolong met with Lee on the sidelines of the Two Sessions meetings.

"The SAR government, led by Lee, firmly and accurately implemented the spirit of President Xi Jinping's important speech regarding the work of Hong Kong and Macau, as well as the central government's plans," Xia said.

"He also proactively seeks for changes, maintains a high level of security, promotes high-quality development and unites various sectors of the community to strive for economic development and pursuing development, which has achieved positive results," he added.

Xia also said that the Hong Kong administration and society can grasp the opportunity to solidify the city's status as an international financial, logistics and trade center, building a highland for international high-end talents and contribute even more to the construction of Chinese modernization and the nation's rejuvenation.

Lee said in a Facebook post that Hong Kong will integrate into the national development, boost economy, improve livelihoods, while enhancing its international competitiveness, so as to make greater contributions to the country.

"We will push forward the development of the Northern Metropolis and the Shenzhen-Hong Kong Innovation and Technology Cooperation Zone, accelerating the construction of an international innovation and technology hub," Lee wrote. "Furthermore, we aim to consolidate and enhance Hong Kong's position as an international financial, shipping and trade center, while establishing it as a hub for high-end international talent."

Huang Liuquan, a Beijing official formerly handling Hong Kong affairs, said Hong Kong has been doing better following the enactment of Basic Law Article 23, "turning chaos into order."

Starry Lee Wai-king, Hong Kong's sole delegate to the NPC Standing Committee, expressed confidence in the city's ability to achieve tangible economic growth.

jamie.liu@singtaonewscorp.com

John Lee meets Xia Baolong, who is seen wearing a green tie with a skyscraper pattern that was given by the HK chief executive last year. The green color symbolizes the bright future development of Hong Kong. Baolong's gesture was touching and heartw

John Lee and Sam Hou-fai, far left, take down notes while Li Qiang bows to Xi Jinping and the assembled delegates at the National People's Congress. FACEBOOK, REUTERS

Roles to play for SARs as Li affirms support