Chief executives of the Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions on Sunday said Xi Jinping's report, delivered at the opening session of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China on Sunday, has set out a clear path and brought fresh opportunities for the two cities' future development.

Xi's report is a "stabilizer" in advancing development in the HKSAR, and it's inspiring to see Xi's report mentioning "one country, two systems", as well as Hong Kong and Macao, multiple times, and this has far-reaching implications and significance, Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said in a post on his social media page on Sunday.

The report fully demonstrates the importance the central government attaches to "one country, two systems" and the two SARs, he said.

In his report on Sunday morning, Xi said "the principle of 'one country, two systems' is a great innovation of socialism with Chinese characteristics. It has proven to be the best institutional arrangement for ensuring sustained prosperity and stability in Hong Kong and Macao after their return to the motherland. This policy must be adhered to in the long term."

Lee said the nation has always been Hong Kong's strongest backer. This was the case during the social unrest in 2019 and has been the case in the years-long fight against the pandemic. Hong Kong is now making a fresh start in its history and is at a critical junction, concentrating on development and opening a new chapter, he said.

Lee urged various sectors in Hong Kong, working in solidarity, to familiarize themselves with the messaging from the 20th CPC National Congress and help the city better integrate into the nation's development while contributing to the rejuvenation of the nation.

He said the report, expounding on the practice of "one country, two systems", struck notes similar to those expressed in Xi's important speech in Hong Kong on July 1 this year when he set out four hopes and expectations for the city.
That July 1 speech laid the direction and blueprint for the current HKSAR administration.

Echoing Lee, the Chief Executive of the Macao Special Administrative Region Ho Iat-seng, said that Xi's report has given a clear direction to Macao for the successful practice of "one country, two systems" and has greatly bolstered Macao residents' confidence in the city's development.

Ho said that Xi's report has comprehensively summarized the outstanding achievements of the CPC since the country entered the new era, and scientifically planned the goals, tasks, and policies for the national and party's development in the next five years and beyond.

He said that the central government, led by Xi, has always been solicitous of the well-being of Macao compatriots and the development of Macao and has launched many timely policies and measures for Macao's benefit, which have helped the city maintain momentum in its long-term and stable development.

On behalf of the Macao SAR government and residents, Ho congratulated the successful convening of the 20th CPC National Congress and asked all Macao sectors to study the report.

He pledged that the Macao SAR government would continue to promote the successful practice of "one country, two systems" to make new contributions to the great national rejuvenation.

Inspiration to officials

Top officials of the HKSAR government also responded to Xi's speech. Chief Secretary for Administration Eric Chan Kwok-ki said Xi's explicit support for the HKSAR is not only a morale booster but also represents his ardent expectations for the city.

He noted that the report delves into various areas and sheds light on building a modern socialist China in all respects, which will create a wealth of fresh opportunities for Hong Kong to further integrate itself into the nation's development.

Secretary for Justice Paul Lam Ting-kwok, who watched the live broadcast of the opening session of the 20th CPC National Congress on Sunday, said he was impressed by the report's emphasis on sticking to law-based governance.

The Hong Kong community can rest assured that Xi has reaffirmed the central government's faith in adhering to "one country, two systems" in the long run, he said.

Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration Cheuk Wing-hing called the report "informative and visionary" as it touches on the well-being of the people, with consideration for world peace and development.

Hong Kong, with the unique advantages of "one country, two systems" and the central government's full support, will speed up its integration into the nation's development, improve its economy and people's livelihoods, and play a bigger role in the nation's great rejuvenation, Cheuk said.

Contact the writers at stushadow@chinadailyhk.com