Hong Kong NPC Delegates Praise Government Work Report

During the ongoing National People's Congress (NPC) session, Hong Kong deputies held a plenary meeting on March 5 to deliberate Premier Li Qiang's Government Work Report, with 19 Hong Kong representatives actively speaking and giving high praise to the document.

Zhou Ji, Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong SAR, addressed the meeting, describing the report as deeply inspiring and motivational. He called it a "good report" that upholds high principles, is pragmatic and truth-seeking, realistically summarizes past achievements, objectively and dialectically analyzes issues, and deploys work with a balanced, practical approach combining long-term and short-term measures.

The report focuses on high-quality development, innovation-driven growth, reform breakthroughs, and addressing public concerns. Positioned at the start of the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026–2030), it reviews last year's economic experiences, analyzes domestic and international situations, sets development goals and policy directions for the year, and outlines 10 key tasks.

Zhou noted that 2025 saw major economic and social targets met successfully, concluding the 14th Five-Year Plan on a high note with historic achievements in national development. This continued China's "miracles" of rapid economic growth and long-term social stability, demonstrating the advantages of the system under the leadership of the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core and guided by Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era.

Emphasizing the report's significance for Hong Kong, Zhou stated it brings new historical opportunities for the SAR's development. He urged deputies to concentrate on managing Hong Kong's own affairs well. Referencing President Xi Jinping's recent expectations for Hong Kong (expressed during Chief Executive John Lee's duty report at the end of last year), Zhou called for thorough study and implementation, including:

• Adhering to and improving the executive-led system, fully supporting the Chief Executive and SAR government in governing according to law, and continuously enhancing governance efficiency to promote economic and social progress.

• Coordinating development and security (including traditional and non-traditional aspects) to safeguard high-quality development with high-level security.

• Continuing to support Hong Kong's better integration into and service to the national development agenda, leveraging its unique advantages of being backed by the motherland and connected to the world to promote long-term prosperity and stability, and making greater contributions to national rejuvenation.

Representatives from central bodies—including the China Securities Regulatory Commission, NPC Finance and Economic Committee, NPC Standing Committee Budget Work Committee, Hong Kong and Macao Basic Law Committee, State Council Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office, National Development and Reform Commission, and Ministry of Finance—attended to listen to opinions.

The session reflects strong endorsement from Hong Kong delegates for the national direction outlined in the report, especially as China enters the inaugural year of the 15th Five-Year Plan, aligning with ongoing efforts to deepen Hong Kong's role in national strategies like the Greater Bay Area and high-quality development.