Chief Executive John Lee said on Wednesday Hong Kong will actively develop in line with the country’s strategies while leveraging the city’s unique advantages.

Speaking at a National Day reception, Lee praised China’s achievements, saying the nation has made an extraordinary journey to prosperity and strength and is now firmly established as the world’s second-largest economy by achieving a remarkable rate of progress that is admired globally.

Lee outlined three main priorities for Hong Kong as it supports the nation’s development goals.

First, he stressed the importance of safeguarding national security while co-ordinating security and development.

"Safeguarding national sovereignty, security and development interests is the highest principle of One Country, Two Systems," Lee said.

"The government is committed to continuously enhancing the legal system and enforcement mechanism for safeguarding national security to ensure security and promote development, striving for a vibrant economy, pursuing development and advancing infrastructure construction."

He added the government seeks to ensure the upcoming Legco election will be successfully held.

"We will devote all efforts in preparing for the upcoming general election for the eighth-term Legislative Council on December 7 this year, ensuring that the election is conducted in a fair, just, honest, safe and orderly manner."

Second, Lee stressed the need to facilitate economic growth and improve people's livelihoods.

He said stronger economic development would boost demand, increase government revenue and allow more investment in infrastructure and public services, ensuring that the benefits of growth are shared across society.

Third, Lee said the government would press ahead with implementing measures set out in his Policy Address last month and deepen reforms.

"I attach great importance to swiftly resolving livelihood issues, as well as setting out long-term planning and systematic layout," he said.

The CE said government policies have helped to boost Hong Kong’s international ratings, its competitiveness as a financial centre, its ability to attract talent, and its standing as one of the world’s safest cities – showing that the administration is moving in the right direction.

Before the reception, a flag-raising ceremony was held at Golden Bauhinia Square in Wan Chai.

Those in attendance included Lee and his wife, senior government officials, Executive Council members, as well as Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference vice chairman and former chief executive CY Leung and two other former CEs Donald Tsang and Carrie Lam.

Flag-raising ceremonies were also held at the Office of the Commissioner for China's Foreign Ministry and Beijing's liaison office in Hong Kong.