The business community in Hong Kong has hailed President Xi Jinping's warm encouragement for its entrepreneurs, saying that the local business sector will continue to leverage its strengths actively to serve the needs of the country.

The president recently replied to a letter from Hong Kong businesspeople with ancestral roots in Ningbo, Zhejiang province, including representatives such as Chao Kee-young and Pao Pui-hing, daughter of late shipping mogul Pao Yue-kong.

They recently wrote to Xi to highlight the efforts they are making to support national development, and expressed their resolve to serve the nation's modernization.

In his reply, Xi praised the contributions they are making to the development of their hometown and the country through their active engagement in innovation and entrepreneurship, as well as through their donations to education.

Agnes Chan Sui-kuen, chairman of the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce — the oldest and largest business chamber representing multinational companies operating in the city — said Xi's words reflect his sincere care and appreciation.

"From innovation to philanthropy, the contributions of their pioneering ancestors are a source of immense pride to Ningbo and the country. The Hong Kong business community should work to promote this entrepreneurial spirit and unite the forces of patriotism," Chan said.

"President Xi's cordial encouragement is very encouraging to all Hong Kong entrepreneurs of different origins and from different places," said Jonathan Choi Koon-shum, chairman of the Hong Kong Chinese General Chamber of Commerce and Hong Kong-based conglomerate Sunwah Group.

"Hong Kong's industrial and commercial community will continue to actively leverage its strengths to serve the needs of the country, comprehensively deepen reforms in the new era, promote Chinese modernization and contribute the strength of Hong Kong entrepreneurs," added Choi, who is a Standing Committee member of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference — the nation's top political advisory body.

Steve Chuang, chairman of the Federation of Hong Kong Industries, told China Daily: "Hong Kong's industrial sector has actively participated in the country's reform since the 1980s. President Xi's reply reflects his high recognition of Hong Kong's business community and private enterprises, and strengthens our confidence in continuing to actively integrate into the overall development of the country."