The director of the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office, Xia Baolong, will visit Hong Kong from February 22 to 28 to learn more about the SAR's economic developments and district governance.

It's understood the top Beijing official will meet representatives of various sectors of the community during his stay.

Chief Executive John Lee extended his welcome to Xia and expressed gratitude to the central government for its concern for the SAR.

"The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government is pressing ahead with various preparatory work to ensure the smooth conduct of the visit," the government said in a statement.

This will be Xia's second inspection trip to the city in less than a year, following a visit last April for National Security Education Day activities.