CE reports to state leaders on work
23.12.2022

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, conducted his first reporting of work to President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang in Beijing today (December 23) and yesterday (December 22) respectively since assuming office, during which he briefed them on the latest economic, social and political situation in Hong Kong. Mr Lee expressed his gratitude to the state leaders for fully affirming and supporting the work of the sixth-term Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR). He also thanked the Central Government for its care and support in areas such as Hong Kong's economic development, social livelihood and the control of the epidemic situation. He said he deeply understood the huge responsibilities required of him to discharge duties with due diligence and dedication since taking office. Sharing the same aspirations, he and his team are united in pursuing a result-oriented approach with a pragmatic manner to develop the economy and improve people's livelihood. Mr Lee said President Xi Jinping's important remarks on July 1 and the report of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China both stated that the "one country, two systems" principle is the best institutional safeguard for the long-term prosperity and stability of Hong Kong, and must be adhered to over the long term. All sectors of the Hong Kong community were deeply encouraged and expressed strong support. The international community also responded positively, showing clear, concrete and strong confidence and support in "one country, two systems". He reported to the state leaders that with Hong Kong being at the crucial stage of advancing from chaos to order, and gradually from stability to prosperity, the HKSAR Government will fully, faithfully and resolutely implement the principle of "one country, two systems" in strict accordance with the Constitution and the Basic Law, resolutely safeguard national security, dovetail with resuming economic normalcy, earnestly address people's concerns and implement the principle of "patriots administering Hong Kong". Mr Lee said that the important speech delivered by President Xi Jinping on July 1, which laid down "four musts" and "four proposals" and pointed out "Hong Kong will prosper only when its young people thrive", has been the governance blueprint of the sixth-term HKSAR Government. He added that his Policy Address set out his vision for Hong Kong in the next five years and outlined a series of innovative and unprecedented policy initiatives. The initiatives are being implemented gradually, with a view to better serving the people and better developing Hong Kong, so that everyone can share the fruits of the achievements. Mr Lee also reported to the state leaders about Hong Kong citizens eagerly wishing for the resumption of normal travel between Hong Kong and the Mainland. A leader pointed out that as improvements and adjustments to the Mainland's epidemic prevention and control measures are being implemented in an orderly manner, the relevant parties should keep up the close communication and coordination, and strive for the gradual resumption of normal travel between Hong Kong and the Mainland. Mr Lee said the HKSAR Government would continue to actively and closely liaise with the relevant authorities of the Central Government, Guangdong Provincial Government, Shenzhen Municipal Government, etc. and discuss in detail, and press ahead for the orderly resumption of normal travel as early as practicable. He also reported to the state leaders that he will lead his team to fully leverage the unique advantages of Hong Kong of enjoying strong support of the motherland and being closely connected to the world under the "one country, two systems" principle to reinforce Hong Kong's position as an international financial, trade and shipping centre, promote its strengths in emerging aspects such as innovation and technology, culture and arts, leverage the unlimited opportunities brought about by the national key strategies, including the National 14th Five-Year Plan, development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the Belt and Road Initiative, and realise the requirements and hopes that the Central Authorities have for the HKSAR, with a view to leading Hong Kong to scale new heights. Ends/Friday, December 23, 2022 Issued at HKT 21:57 NNNN