Policies boosted living standards, economy, vice-premier affirms

Vice-Premier Han Zheng on Tuesday recognized the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government's work in the past year under the leadership of Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor.

In a meeting with Lam in Beijing, Han said that since the new SAR administration assumed office on July 1, it has administered the city in accordance with the law, with policies that boost the economy and improve people's living standards.

Han listened to Lam's report about Hong Kong government and various sectors' views and suggestions concerning development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

Han said President Xi Jinping has placed great emphasis on the development of the Hong Kong and Macao SARs and required law-based governance and a comprehensive implementation of the "one country, two systems" principle.

He said the Bay Area would bring cooperation among the three areas to new heights for joint progress and shared benefits.

Meanwhile, pressing ahead with Bay Area development will foster Hong Kong's stability and prosperity, Han added.

Lam said there is no doubt that the development of the Bay Area would be a new growth engine for the city's economy.

Lam, speaking to reporters after meeting with Han, cited Han as saying that he hoped Hong Kong contributes to Bay Area development under the principle of "one country, two systems", leveraging the city's advantages in financing, logistics and science and technology.

Lam said Hong Kong has been actively studying Bay Area development in various aspects including opportunities it will bring and the policy coordination and support it requires.

She said Hong Kong and Shenzhen can have a win-win situation from deepened collaboration based on Hong Kong's rich resources in prestigious universities, scientific research and talent and Shenzhen's strengths in manufacturing and innovation.

Lam also expressed appreciation for the central government's support and care for Hong Kong, including in the field of innovation and technology.

"President Xi's care of Hong Kong's young generation and his instruction on the city's science and technology sector are inspiring," Lam said.

The meeting also was attended by Director of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office Zhang Xiaoming, Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Wang Zhimin and Director of the National Development and Reform Commission He Lifeng.