The nation's new premier Li Qiang on Monday brushed aside concerns that the SAR had become less competitive, saying its future would be even brighter with the central government's support.

Beijing, Li said, will resolutely implement the One Country Two Systems principle while giving full support to Hong Kong and Macau's integration into the country's development and building their global competitiveness.

"It is true that in recent years, due to various factors, both Hong Kong and Macau have experienced some difficulties in their development," he said at a press conference, but he described these challenges as "temporary".

"I'm confident with the strong backing of the motherland and the institutional safeguards of the One Country Two Systems policy, Hong Kong and Macau will only strengthen their position and role, and Hong Kong and Macau will enjoy an even brighter future."

Li also said Taiwan and China are from the same family, and that mainland authorities will continue to promote exchanges and cooperation in economic and cultural aspects with the island.