The director of the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office (HKMAO), Xia Baolong, arrived in the SAR on Thursday for a week-long inspection trip to learn more about the city's economic developments and district governance.

Xia was welcomed by Chief Executive John Lee at the airport.

The Beijing official toured the Integrated Airport Centre after arriving, where he learned about the development of Hong Kong's airport.

"The central government will continue to support Hong Kong in expanding its aviation network, and further consolidate and enhance its status as an international aviation hub," an HKMAO statement quoted Xia as saying.

The top mainland official was later accompanied by Lee and director of the Liaison Office Zheng Yanxiong as he left the airport at Chek Lap Kok.

It's understood that he will be briefed by finance officials and dine with other government administrators in the evening.

Xia will also meet with executive councillors, legislators, district councillors, business chambers and legal bodies during his stay.

This is Xia's first visit to the city as director of the revamped HKMAO, which places the office under the supervision of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, rather than the State Council.

He will be in town for seven days, one day longer than his visit last April.
_____________________________
Last updated: 2024-02-2 HKT 16:24