The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, on behalf of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), today (August 1) expressed his heartfelt gratitude to President Xi Jinping for his reply letter to a group of Hong Kong entrepreneurs of Ningbo descent. President Xi's letter conveyed his recognition and warm encouragement to the entrepreneurs for inheriting their ancestors' fine tradition of patriotism, as well as for their contributions to the development of their home town and the country.

     Mr Lee noted that descendants of the pioneering generation of Ningbo-born Hong Kong entrepreneurs, including Ms Anna Pao Sohmen and Mr Chao Kee-young, recently wrote to President Xi to report on their efforts in carrying on the fine traditions of their ancestors and supporting national development, expressing their ongoing commitment to contribute to the modernisation of the country. Mr Lee added that the reply letter from President Xi was deeply encouraging and inspiring, particularly for Hong Kong entrepreneurs of Ningbo descent and those from other parts of the country, reinforcing their confidence and determination to build on past successes and break new ground while upholding fundamental principles, so that they could continue leveraging their strengths to serve and contribute to their home town and the country.

     Mr Lee stressed that the HKSAR Government will continue to unite Hong Kong's patriotic forces that love the city and their home towns in the local business sector and the wider community, and encourage them to fully utilise their expertise in their respective fields to better integrate into the overall development of the country. They are encouraged to help make Hong Kong's contributions in the nation's journey towards becoming a strong country and achieving national rejuvenation.

Ends/Thursday, August 1, 2024
Issued at HKT 20:01

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