Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang outlined the need for Hong Kong to develop innovation and technology and the Northern Metropolis, according to local delegates of the nation's top political advisory body.

Hong Kong members of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), including CPPCC Standing Committee member Jonathan Choi, told RTHK that a two-hour meeting on Friday between Ding and delegates from Hong Kong and Macao covered the SAR’s high-quality development, among other matters.

Choi quoted the vice premier as saying that while Hong Kong excels in finance, the city has to build an international innovation and technology hub.

“The Northern Metropolis is an area of concern for [Ding], and [he] wishes that we can... connect with the Greater Bay Area, Qianhai, Nansha and Hetao,” he said.

Choi, who chairs the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce, also said that among the directives were for Hong Kong to align with the national Five-Year Plan, and that it is a shared duty to implement the executive-led governing system.

“He hoped that the business community, CPPCC members, and people from all sectors of society would support the SAR government and the chief executive under the executive-led system, to govern Hong Kong well and maintain its prosperity and stability,” Choi said.

Fellow CPPCC delegate and former president of the Law Society, Melissa Pang, said promoting patriotism and safeguarding national security were also mentioned at the meeting with the vice premier.

“There are external forces remaining in Hong Kong. We must stay vigilant and prevent foreign interference. We will take resolute and effective actions,” Pang said.


Edited by Aaron Tam