Chief Executive John Lee said on Tuesday that officials aim to enact Basic Law Article 23 national security legislation as soon as possible.

He made the remark when asked about a Sing Tao Daily report that the government wants Legco to pass the legislation by National Security Education Day on April 15.

"National security risks are there every day, they keep evolving. So the sooner we can finish enacting the legislation, the sooner we can better safeguard national security," Lee told reporters as he wrapped up a two-day trip in Beijing.

The CE said he felt very encouraged that Premier Li Qiang said in his work report on Tuesday that the central government supports Hong Kong's economic development and improving people's livelihoods.

Lee said that under the leadership of the central government, Hong Kong will faithfully implement the “One Country, Two Systems” principle while proactively aligning itself with the country’s development, as the nation enters a key year of its 14th five-year plan.

Besides attending the opening ceremony of the annual National People's Congress meeting, the chief executive also met Finance Minister Lan Fo'an.

Lee said he thanked the minister for supporting Hong Kong's development as an international financial centre, something he said has been demonstrated by the issuance of renminbi bonds in the SAR for 15 consecutive years.