Safeguarding national security will continue to be Hong Kong's top priority, Chief Secretary Eric Chan said on Monday, as he vowed to complete work for Basic Law Article 23 security legislation within this year.

On social media, Chan said the upcoming legislation, together with the existing national security law, will more effectively prevent, stop and punish acts endangering national security.

Looking ahead, the chief secretary said the government will roll out various measures to attract more people to come and live in Hong Kong, noting that more than 81,000 successful applicants of talent attraction programmes have arrived in the territory.

Meanwhile, the number of visitors to Hong Kong topped 30 million in the first 11 months of last year, Chan said, adding that the government will continue to hold different international events and drive the local economy.

Separately, Chan said authorities have found more locations to serve as "community living rooms" to provide a shared space for subdivided flat tenants. He said the administration will continue to work with businesses and the community to carry out various projects for targeted poverty alleviation.

He also called on new district councillors to respond to people's urgent needs and concerns.