NPC deputies: Premier's report sets clear directions for HK, Macao

National legislators from the Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions said the latest Government Work Report delivered by Premier Li Qiang on Thursday outlined clear development directions and roles for the two SARs.

The legislators pledged to help boost governance efficiency in the two SARs and promote better integration into national development, with particular emphasis on innovation.

During the opening of the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC), Li called for enhancing governance efficiency in Hong Kong and Macao in accordance with the law.

He also highlighted the regions' roles in the country's pursuit of scientific and technological self-reliance, noting that the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area will be developed into an international center for sci-tech innovation and a world-class innovation engine.

Starry Lee Wai-king, Hong Kong deputy to the NPC Standing Committee and the city's Legislative Council president, said the Government Work Report and the upcoming 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30) reflect the nation's "trust (in) and expectations" for Hong Kong, particularly in sci-tech innovation fields.

Setting her sights on Hong Kong's first-ever five-year plan, to be drafted within the year, Lee said that the local legislature will cooperate with the SAR government in conducting scientific research, aiming to ensure that the SAR's planning aligns with the national blueprint. She said the city should clearly define its role and contribute effectively within the context of national development.

Rock Chen Chung-nin, a Hong Kong NPC deputy and a leader in investment management, highlighted the report's focus on Hong Kong's governance efficiency — a key area the city has been actively improving.

On sci-tech innovation, Chen identified this as a top priority for Hong Kong and other Greater Bay Area cities. He said that he believes the Northern Metropolis will foster great industry-academia-research collaboration among the cities.

Priscilla Leung Mei-fun, another national legislator from Hong Kong, said that the report makes clear Hong Kong's role in national development. She added that the city's Legislative Council is expected to handle key legislation in July related to the development of the Northern Metropolis, followed by supporting bylaws aimed at removing legal barriers and accelerating the new town's development.

Hong Kong NPC deputy Gordon Lam Chi-wing, also chief supply chain officer at Sinopec Hong Kong Ltd, said that the draft outline of the 15th Five-Year Plan, submitted on Thursday to China's top legislature for deliberation, offers the Hong Kong SAR a new strategic positioning that creates fresh opportunities for the city and its supply chain sector.

Lam welcomed the inclusion of the Northern Metropolis in the draft, saying it will accelerate the development of Hong Kong's innovation and technology hub and help the city align with the technological advances outlined in the Government Work Report, providing new impetus for the city's economic growth.

Hendrick Sin, a Hong Kong deputy to the NPC and founding partner and chairman of China Prosperity Capital, said he was encouraged to hear Premier Li's support for Hong Kong in leveraging its unique advantages and pursuing the opportunities arising from the Greater Bay Area.

"That provides significant opportunities for Hong Kong's future development," he said.

Sin added that Li's remarks were particularly heartening for Hong Kong's technology sector, as the report calls for deeper collaboration between Hong Kong and the Chinese mainland in emerging industries such as biomedicine and integrated circuits.

Macao NPC deputy Ng Siu-lai pledged to take action to enhance governance efficiency by advising the government, serving not only as a "mouthpiece" for public opinion but also as a "booster" in resolving difficulties and bridging residents with the authorities.

Ng, who is also chairwoman of the General Union of Neighbourhood Associations of Macau, said she will lead the union to deepen its role in Macao's social governance, leveraging its network to gather public input and push the SAR government to improve livelihoods, drive community development and strengthen the economy.