Henry Tang, a Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) Standing Committee member, said on Friday Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang had encouraged Hong Kong delegates to the top political advisory body to contribute more in advancing executive-led governance in the city.

The former SAR chief secretary was speaking after taking part in a meeting between Ding and CPPCC deputies from Hong Kong and Macao during the annual “Two Sessions” in Beijing.

Tang noted that Ding singled out for mention several significant events that happened in Hong Kong over the past year, including a Legislative Council election turnout that was higher than the previous one and the national security trial of Apple Daily founder Jimmy Lai.

On the Wang Fuk Court fire that claimed 168 lives in November, Ding said the SAR government had “properly handled the aftermath”, according to Tang.

He also said the vice premier outlined five expectations for CPPCC deputies.

One is to offer further support to the SAR chief executive and the government in providing executive-led governance.

“The vice premier did say quite a bit about how CPPCC members can play an active and positive role in the executive-led government of Hong Kong,” Tang said.

“This role is demonstrated by the CPPCC members [having] in the past always contributed to the development of the mainland and we will continue to do so in many areas... the CPPCC members can continue to play that role in taking that lead and participate in the process.”

Tang added that people can also show their support for the executive-led system by backing the government.

Other expectations Ding conveyed, Tang said, included ensuring a smooth subsector election for the Election Committee this year; supporting Hong Kong’s prosperity and financial stability and accelerating the development of Northern Metropolis; and safeguarding national security to make sure future governments are led by patriots.

Ding also said CPPCC delegates should be actively involved with the 15th Five-Year Plan, Tang said.

“I think the most important point was that Hong Kong must grasp the opportunities presented by the 15th Five-Year Plan,” Tang said.

Using shipping as an example, Tang said some people might think it was a sunset industry in Hong Kong given the steady decline in shipping volumes over the past few years.

He stressed that a lot of shipping-related matters involved opportunities in financial and professional services that Hong Kong could seize, as the 15th Five-Year Plan explored new development fields for the shipping industry.


Edited by Tony Sabine