Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang on Wednesday called on Hong Kong’s youths to continue contributing to the country’s development, saying the SAR government should also do more to help them in their studies, employment and daily lives.

Speaking to 150 youth representatives from Hong Kong and Macau at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, Ding quoted President Xi Jinping as saying earlier that he has high hopes for young people from the two SARs.

“[President Xi] said the youths of Hong Kong and Macau do not only represent the future of the two SARs, but also represent ‘fresh blood’ that can contribute to national development,” he said.

“As long as Hong Kong and Macau youths have better development, the two SARs will have a better future and so will the country.”

Ding, who's also a Politburo Standing Committee member and the top official for Hong Kong and Macau affairs, added that Chief Executive John Lee’s government can do more to support young people, in areas like education and career development.

He also encouraged youngsters to travel to the mainland to learn more about the country’s history and culture, as well as its people.

Those who attended Wednesday’s session include Hong Kong’s star table tennis player Doo Hoi-kem, as well as lawmakers Kenneth Fok, Johnny Ng, Duncan Chiu and Nixie Lam.

Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office chief Xia Baolong and the city’s deputy chief secretary, Warner Cheuk, were also present.