Hong Kong Must Help With Nation's Development: CE

Chief Executive John Lee says Hong Kong cannot solely seize opportunities that arise from China’s growth, but must also apply its advantages under One Country, Two Systems to help the nation with its high-value development.

In an interview with CCTV on Thursday, Lee said Hong Kong must assist the country when it comes to areas such as technology, environmental protection and providing talent.

The CE also said the Steering Group on Integration into National Development which he established last year will put forward proposals under the leadership of himself as chairman, and the chief secretary, financial secretary and justice secretary as deputies.

In particular, he said, the three deputies could participate in the development of the Greater Bay Area in areas relevant to their office.

Lee said cities in the Greater Bay work like a team, adding he hopes that now quarantine-free travel has resumed, Hong Kong officials can visit these cities more often to learn more about the country’s overall development.

“I think the most important thing is for different places to realise what their strengths are, and use them to help make contributions to the nation’s development,” he said.

Meanwhile, in a post on his Facebook page, Lee said that his ongoing visit to Beijing has been smooth thanks to the hard work of his colleagues in the SAR’s office in the capital.

On Thursday, the CE met with Foreign Minister Qin Gang.

Qin said the Foreign Ministry backs Hong Kong in implementing One Country, Two Systems and achieving long-term prosperity and stability.

The CE, for his part, thanked the support of the Foreign Ministry in helping to boost exchanges and cooperation between the SAR and other countries and regions.

Lee is scheduled to return to Hong Kong on Saturday.