Hong Kong called to help build greater bay area

Premier Li Keqiang called on Hong Kong on Friday to play an active role in the Belt and Road Initiative and build the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area into a world-class bay area.

Li made the call when meeting with Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor, chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, in Beijing on Friday and heard Lam's report on Hong Kong's development and the work of the region's government.

Li said that the new SAR government has fulfilled its commitment in linking with national development strategies, improving issues concerning people's livelihood and maintaining economic growth momentums.

The central government adheres to the policies of "one country, two systems", "Hong Kong people governing Hong Kong", and will fully support lawful administration of the region's government and the chief executive on the basis of the Constitution and the Basic Law of Hong Kong, the premier said.

Premier Li encouraged the SAR government to align its advantages with national strategies to develop new industries for a steady and sustainable growth, while guarding against risks.

Hong Kong, as an international hub for finance, shipping and trade, should further exert the advantages in China's development and opening-up, Li said.

The premier also said experiences should be summed up from the success of the Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect, the Shenzhen-Hong Kong Stock Connect and the Hong Kong Bond Connect to boost mutual development of the Chinese mainland and Hong Kong.

Lam said Hong Kong's achievement has benefited from the central government's support. In the future, more efforts will be exerted to integrate Hong Kong with the big picture of national development, she said.