Politically appointed officials begin national studies programme in Beijing
21.11.2023

Led by the Director of the Chief Executive's Office, Ms Carol Yip, the delegation of politically appointed officials for national studies and duty visit began its study programme in Beijing, and was received by the Director of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, Mr Xia Baolong today (November 21). Mr Xia extended a warm welcome to the Under Secretaries and Political Assistants from various departments of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government who joined the programme in Beijing. He acknowledged and affirmed their work since they have taken up their role. Mr Xia emphasised that politically appointed officials of the HKSAR Government are an integral part of the HKSAR's governance team, performing vital functions in the governance of the HKSAR. He expressed the hope that all members will fulfil their oaths faithfully, demonstrate their patriotism and love for Hong Kong through concrete actions, continuously strengthen their learning and experience, enhance their capabilities and level of performance, take up responsibilities and deliver good results. He urged them to fully support the Chief Executive in the governance of Hong Kong in accordance with the law, making greater contributions to Hong Kong's progress to prosperity and ensuring the steady and successful implementation of "one country, two systems". Ms Yip reported to Mr Xia about the objectives of the study programme and the learning outcome of the delegation. She mentioned that this is the first national studies programme for politically appointed officials organised by the current-term Government, which is the largest of its kind over the years. This reflected the Government's emphasis on enhancing politically appointed officials' understanding of the history, political system, legal system, important policies, and the latest socio-economic situation of the country, she said. Ms Yip said she believes that, through comprehensive and in-depth study of national affairs, the politically appointed officials of the HKSAR Government will be able to consider matters more from the national, international, and holistic perspectives in their policy formulation, public communication and other daily work. They are expected to gain a better understanding of the needs of the country in promoting high-quality development, helping the HKSAR's more proactive integration into the national development, while contributing to the needs of national development and achieving a better development for Hong Kong. During the past two days, the delegation received three thematic lectures at the National Academy of Governance (NAG). Yesterday (November 20), the Deputy Director of the Department of Politics and Law Research at the National Academy of Governance, Professor Sun Dongfang, delivered a lecture on the holistic view of national security and the modernisation of the national security system and capabilities, while the Deputy Director of the Legislative Affairs Commission and the Basic Law Committee of the Hong Kong and Macao Special Administrative Regions of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, Mr Zhang Yong, delivered a lecture on the Constitution and the Basic Law of the HKSAR. Today, Professor Zhang Zhanbin of the School of Marxism of the NAG gave a lecture to the delegation on the philosophy and implementation of the modernisation with Chinese characteristics. Led by Ms Yip, the delegation comprises 13 Under Secretaries and 19 Political Assistants. The delegation will continue its programme and visit in Beijing tomorrow (November 22). Ends/Tuesday, November 21, 2023 Issued at HKT 23:48 NNNN