The first session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) and the first session of the 14th Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee ("two sessions") concluded victoriously in March this year. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government today (March 24) held a sharing session on the spirit of the "two sessions" at the Central Government Offices. The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, attended as keynote speaker, so as to enable the participants to have a deeper understanding of the essentials of the "two sessions" and its important insights to Hong Kong's future development. The session was attended by over 150 participants, including Principal Officials of the HKSAR Government, Members of the Executive Council (ExCo), Permanent Secretaries and Heads of Department.
 
     At the closing meeting of the NPC, President Xi Jinping said that the long-term prosperity and stability of Hong Kong and Macao is part and parcel of the building of a strong China, and that we must fully, faithfully and resolutely uphold the principle of "one country, two systems", "Hong Kong people administering Hong Kong", "Macao people administering Macao" and a high degree of autonomy; remain committed to governing Hong Kong and Macao in accordance with the law; and support the Special Administrative Regions in developing the economy, improving people's livelihood, and better integrating into national development. This fully demonstrated that the nation has attached great importance and showed care and support for Hong Kong, and also implied that Hong Kong will shoulder greater responsibility and mission in the overall national development.
 
     Speaking at the sharing session, Mr Lee pointed out that the "two sessions" put forward specific deployment plans for the implementation of the spirit of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, a substantial portion of which has provided insights to Hong Kong. All sectors of Hong Kong society should learn more and understand the spirit of the 20th National Congress and the "two sessions".
 
     Mr Lee said, "President Xi and the Central Authorities affirm and support the work of Hong Kong, care about Hong Kong's prosperity and stability, and request Hong Kong to continue to advance on the road of "stability to prosperity". Being encouraged, we should also learn and implement the important speech of President Xi and the spirit of the 'two sessions', unite people from various sectors in Hong Kong, and contribute to the achievement of the ambition of Chinese-style modernisation."
 
     He said that Hong Kong must play its vital role as a bridge, press ahead with high-quality development, capitalise on its unique advantages of enjoying strong support of the motherland and being closely connected to the world, set itself on a path of internationalisation, better ensure and promote the fact of the successful implementation of "one country, two systems", and tell the good stories of Hong Kong and China.
 
     Member of the Standing Committee of the 14th NPC Ms Starry Lee and Hong Kong members of the Standing Committee of the 14th CPPCC National Committee Mr Henry Tang and Mr Martin Liao were invited to the sharing session to talk about the essentials and learning of the "two sessions". In addition, the Convenor of the Non-official Members of the ExCo, Mrs Regina Ip, and the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, also shared their views at the session.

Ends/Friday, March 24, 2023
Issued at HKT 18:30

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