HKSAR Government holds seminar on learning and implementing spirit of &quot;two sessions&quot;
28.3.2023

The first session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) and the first session of the 14th Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee ("two sessions") concluded victoriously in March this year. Following the sharing session held on March 24 with the Chief Executive as the keynote speaker, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government today (March 28) held a seminar on learning and implementing the spirit of the "two sessions" at the Central Government Offices, so as to enable the participants to have a deeper understanding of the essence of the "two sessions" and its significance to Hong Kong's future development. The seminar was hosted by the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee. Invited to attend the seminar, the Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the HKSAR, Mr Zheng Yanxiong, shared his views. The seminar was attended by about 180 participants, including Principal Officials of the HKSAR Government, Members of the Executive Council (ExCo) and Legislative Council (LegCo), Permanent Secretaries and Heads of Department. Speaking at the seminar, Director Zheng said that one of the main spirits of the "two sessions" is grasping deeply the spirit of the important speech of General Secretary Xi Jinping. General Secretary Xi stressed that the long-term prosperity and stability of Hong Kong and Macao is part and parcel of the building of a strong China, and that we must fully, faithfully and resolutely uphold the principle of "one country, two systems", "Hong Kong people administering Hong Kong", "Macao people administering Macao" and a high degree of autonomy; remain committed to governing Hong Kong and Macao in accordance with the law; and support the Special Administrative Regions in developing the economy, improving people's livelihood, and better integrating into national development. People must deeply learn, understand and implement the important requirements of General Secretary Xi. Director Zheng also pointed out that Hong Kong can pursue the three paths of leveraging its unique position and advantages. Firstly, Hong Kong should leverage its major advantages under "one country, two systems", strengthen its position as an international financial, shipping and trade centre, develop its new strength as an international I&T (innovation and technology) centre, and maintain a free and open business environment, so as to better showcase the full charm of "one country, two systems". Secondly, Hong Kong should maintain its edge in the rule of law and its common law system, stay connected with the law and market systems of developed countries. Thirdly, Hong Kong should properly develop major advantages of a diverse culture, bring together world talents and faithfully and resolutely set itself on a path of internationalisation. On behalf of the HKSAR Government, Mr Lee expressed his gratitude to Director Zheng for his sharing, which benefited the participants greatly by giving them a deeper understanding of the spirit of the "two sessions", as well as the policies and objectives of the country so as to better seize national development opportunities and to integrate into the overall development of the country. Mr Lee pointed out that the "two sessions" acknowledged the unique positioning of Hong Kong in Chinese-style modernisation and the spirit of the "two sessions" provide a profound insight to the HKSAR. He encouraged Government officials and all sectors of the community to learn about the spirit of the "two sessions" and deepen the understanding of the great innovation of "one country, two systems". The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki; the President of the LegCo, Mr Andrew Leung; the Convenor of the Non-official Members of the ExCo, Mrs Regina Ip; and Member of Hong Kong deputies to the NPC and Member of the LegCo, Mr Ma Fung-kwok, also shared their views at the seminar. Ends/Tuesday, March 28, 2023 Issued at HKT 19:38 NNNN