The Chief Secretary Eric Chan on Saturday vowed to ramp up welfare and support for the elderly. He made the pledge after visiting low income families and elderly people, along with other government officials, on Lunar New Year's eve.

Writing on social media, the official cited President Xi Jinping, who has said the twilight years are an important stage in life and people can still achieve when they are old.

Pointing out that Hong Kong had the longest life expectancy in the world, Chan said the SAR government would continue to strengthen welfare, medical care and community support.

Separately, the Legislative Council President Andrew Leung said he hoped that positive interaction would continue between the executive and the legislature in the new year, and that everyone would unite and work together for the well-being of Hongkongers.

In his Lunar New Year message, Leung noted the executive-legislative relationship had entered a new phase, with the antechamber at the Legco complex becoming a place where government officials and lawmakers gathered.

He also wished Hong Kong an auspicious new year, as well as good health and peace for all of its citizens.