The Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) on Friday elected Wang Huning, a member of the Politburo Standing Committee and the nation's fourth-highest-ranking official, as its chairman.

Twenty-three people were picked as vice chairs, with former Hong Kong Chief Executive CY Leung and Macau's former leader, Edmund Ho, retaining their positions.

Another former CE, Tung Chee-hwa, will step down from his role with the nation's political advisory body.

The other vice chairs include Shi Taifeng, Hu Chunhua, Shen Yueyue, Wang Yong, Zhou Qiang, Pagbalha Geleg Namgyai, Bater, Su Hui, Shao Hong, Gao Yunlong, Chen Wu, Mu Hong, Xian Hui, Wang Dongfeng, Jiang Xinzhi, Jiang Zuojun, He Baoxiang, Wang Guangqian, Qin Boyong, Zhu Yongxin and Yang Zhen.

Wang Dongfeng, meanwhile, was appointed as secretary-general.

A total of 299 members were picked as members of the CPPCC standing committee.

Separately, a top mainland official told local CPPCC deputies to do more to promote the integration of Hong Kong into the Greater Bay Area.

In a closed-door meeting in Beijing, Guo Lanfeng from the National Development and Reform Commission outlined four expectations for the SAR.

They include promoting youth development, improving social security, facilitating talent and investment flow, and developing infrastructure in the Greater Bay Area.

CPPCC member Johnny Ng said Guo put great emphasis on youth development.

“Letting them have more room for development in Greater Bay Area mainland cities is important. The government should make more effort to help the young people to have exchange, innovation, entrepreneurship and employment,” he said.