Chief Executive John Lee on Tuesday said the city will faithfully implement the “One Country, Two Systems” principle while proactively align itself with the country’s development, as the nation enters a key year of its 14th five-year plan.

Speaking in Beijing after Premier Li Qiang delivered his work report to the National People’s Congress (NPC), Lee felt “encouraged” by the Premier’s support for Hong Kong to continue implementing the guidelines of “One Country, Two Systems”, “Hong Kong people administering Hong Kong” and “patriots running the city”, while maintaining a high degree of autonomy.

“This year marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of the nation, it’s also a key year to realise the country’s 14th five-year plan. The Hong Kong SAR government will fully grasp the massive opportunities brought by the 14th five-year development plan, the building of the Greater Bay Area, as well as the promotion of the Belt and Road Initiative, to proactively integrate into national development, while improving the city’s international competitiveness,” Lee said.

Lee pledged that authorities would give full play to the “power and value” of the “patriots running the city” principle, uniting all sectors of society while going all out to develop the city’s economy and improve people’s livelihoods.

The chief executive also encouraged the city’s NPC deputies, and its members of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, to continue putting forward constructive suggestions and proposals.