HK Is Now Optimistic And Patriotic: Beijing Official

A Beijing official overseeing Hong Kong affairs on Wednesday said the SAR is now teeming with patriotism and positive energy after the national security law was implemented and electoral system improved.

Speaking after a seminar organised by the Hong Kong United Youth Association on the country's 14th five-year plan, Huang Liuquan said he has noticed how orderly the city now is, and how much people here desire stability and development.

The deputy director of the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office added that Hong Kong needs to treasure what it has now and make up for lost time, after the city's development was hindered by political bickering.

"I believe [as long as] there's such a consensus in the Hong Kong society... it will definitely create a huge momentum, and the Pearl of the Orient will have a bright future for sure," he said.

The official said he didn't think the latest figures showing almost 90,000 people had left Hong Kong reflected a lack of confidence in the city's future.

Huang also called on young people here to develop their careers in the Greater Bay Area, saying more than 1,000 young people from Hong Kong and Macau have started their businesses on the mainland.