Central Government Supports Hong Kong's Development at National People's Congress Meeting with Chief Executive John Lee

Director of Hong Kong and Macao Work Office of CPC Central Committee and Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of State Council meets CE in Beijing

​The Director of the Hong Kong and Macao Work Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, Mr Xia Baolong, met the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, who was in attendance at the opening meeting of the third session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC), in Beijing today (March 5).

Mr Xia said that the Central Government remains committed in fully and faithfully implementing the principle of "one country, two systems", and will continue to fully support Hong Kong and Macao in integrating into national development. Mr Xia noted that under the leadership of Mr Lee, the governance team of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) has been resolutely implementing the guiding principles of important speeches by President Xi Jinping on Hong Kong and Macao affairs and the Central Government's strategic decisions. Mr Xia said that by proactively identifying, adapting to, and driving change, the team has firmly safeguarded high-level security and strenuously promoted high-quality development, while uniting all sectors of society to focus on economic growth, pursue development and advance infrastructure, achieving good results in the areas. Mr Xia expressed his confidence that the HKSAR Government and the Hong Kong community will seize opportunities, pursue reforms and endeavour to fully leverage the institutional strengths of "one country, two systems", consolidate and enhance Hong Kong's status as an international financial, shipping and trade centre, establish an international hub for high-calibre talents, and in turn expedite the city's transition from stability to prosperity, making greater contributions to the building of a great country in all respects and advancing toward national rejuvenation through Chinese modernisation.

Mr Lee expressed his gratitude for the Central Authorities' support and recognition of the efforts of the HKSAR Government. He also expressed his gratitude for Mr Xia's guidance and care for the HKSAR. Mr Lee said that 2025 marks the conclusion of the 14th Five-Year Plan, and is an important year in further deepening reform comprehensively. He said that since assuming office, the current term of the HKSAR Government has striven to consolidate and realise the positioning of the "eight centres" under the 14th Five-Year Plan, proactively attracting businesses and talent while expanding economic and trade networks. The Government has introduced multiple reform measures, including over 600 policy initiatives spanning diverse sectors outlined in last year's Policy Address, specially themed "Reform for Enhancing Development and Building Our Future". These measures aim to deepen reforms and uncover new economic growth areas, while upholding the city's principle and embracing innovation. Mr Lee said that the measures will consolidate Hong Kong's status as an international financial, shipping and trade centre, establish an international hub for high-calibre talents, accelerate Hong Kong's development into an international innovation and technology centre, and advance such developments as the Northern Metropolis and the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone.

Mr Lee remarked that the HKSAR Government will continue to unite all sectors of society in driving innovation and reform, and better understand, respond to and embrace changes. Giving full play to its institutional strengths under the "one country, two systems" principle and unique strengths in internationalisation, Hong Kong will further strengthen its bridging role between the Mainland and the world, actively integrate into national development, and contribute to the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area development and the Belt and Road Initiative, telling the good stories of the country and Hong Kong. Mr Lee highlighted that in collaboration with the community, the HKSAR Government will earnestly study and implement the spirit of the third session of the 14th NPC and the third session of the 14th Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference National Committee, foster unity, and achieve greater development for Hong Kong, thereby making greater contributions to the building of a great country in all respects and advancing toward national rejuvenation.

Deputy Director of the Hong Kong and Macao Work Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council Mr Wang Linggui, and the Director of the Chief Executive's Office, Ms Carol Yip, also joined the meeting.

Director of Hong Kong and Macao Work Office of CPC Central Committee and Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of State Council meets CE in Beijing Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Notice on appointments to advisory and statutory bodies

A Government spokesman said today (January 12) that Mr Chan Kin-por recently sought approval from the Chief Executive to suspend his three public positions as appointed by the Chief Executive, until the completion of the work of the Independent Committee in relation to the fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po (Independent Committee). Mr Chan made this request to allow himself more time to dedicate to the work of the Independent Committee. After due consideration, the Chief Executive has agreed to and approved this request. The three public positions are: (1) Chairman of Independent Commission Against Corruption Advisory Committee on Corruption; (2) Non-executive Director of Urban Renewal Authority Board; and (3) Member of Honours and Non-official Justices of the Peace Selection Committee.

On December 12, 2025, the Government established the Independent Committee to examine the causes of the incident and related issues, ascertain the facts, and make recommendations on preventing similar tragedies and on improvement measures. The Independent Committee is chaired by Mr Justice David Lok, with Mr Chan Kin-por and Dr Rex Auyeung Pak-kuen serving as members. The Independent Committee held its first meeting on December 19 last year and aims to complete its work within nine months of commencing operations.

Mr Chan Kin-por wrote earlier to the Chief Executive, expressing his wish to suspend the aforementioned three public positions until the Independent Committee completes its work, in order to dedicate more time and focus to the Independent Committee's tasks. The Chief Executive has agreed to and approved the request.

A Government spokesperson said that since the fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, both the Government and the wider community have been highly concerned about the causes of the incident and the follow-up work. The scope of the Independent Committee's work is extensive, particularly concerning systemic issues related to bid-rigging and connected interests. Given the numerous issues involved and their complex nature, the Government will fully co-operate with the Independent Committee to ensure that it can complete its work and compile its report within nine months. The Government extends its gratitude to Mr Chan for accepting the appointment as a member of the Independent Committee and for his professional and conscientious approach to the Committee's work. When the Independent Committee's work is completed, the Government looks forward to Mr Chan's continuous contribution through his aforementioned public positions.

Source: AI-found images