HK cherished by country: Zhou Ji

The director of Beijing’s liaison office in Hong Kong, Zhou Ji, on Tuesday said the SAR is cherished by the country and President Xi Jinping cares deeply for the city. Speaking at an event celebrating the 29th anniversary of the Hong Kong SAR’s establishment, Zhou said the city has overcome challenges and become one of the safest in the world with robust economic growth. He said Hong Kong has a bright future under “One Country, Two Systems”. “We firmly believe that with the care and support of the central government, Hong Kong can seize strategic opportunities, better coordinate development and security, embrace innovation and change, strive to enhance its economy, development, reforms and people’s livelihoods, as well as draft and implement its first five-year plan, achieving better development while integrating into national strategies,” he said. Speaking at the same event, Chief Executive John Lee said Hong Kong is striving to build a new engine for economic and social growth by accelerating the Northern Metropolis development. Lee said the SAR government would continue reforms to enhance people’s well-being. He added that Hong Kong is formulating its five-year blueprint at full speed to align with the nation's 15th Five-Year Plan. Edited by Edmond Fong