SARs express their optimism for 2018
Political leaders in Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions predicate a bright outlook for 2018 — along with continuous and strong support from the nation.
They made these remarks after President Xi Jinping delivered his New Year address to all Chinese compatriots on Sunday (Dec 31, 2017).
In his speech, Xi recalled his visit to the Hong Kong SAR during the 20th anniversary of Hong Kong’s return to the motherland.
Xi said he had personally seen that — with strong support from the motherland — Hong Kong had maintained its prosperity and stability. He predicted it would enjoy an even better future. Xi also praised the nearly-completed Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB) — noting it reflected the considerable creativity of the Chinese people.
Xi’s remarks resonated well with people in Hong Kong and Macao and political leaders from both SARs said they shared his optimism.
Starry Lee Wai-king, the chairwoman of the largest political group in Hong Kong — the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong — said she was greatly encouraged by the president’s speech. Lee said she was confident Hong Kong would overcome challenges facing it in 2018.
Lee, who is also a Hong Kong lawmaker, said she would spare no efforts in facilitating the local legislation for the joint checkpoint arrangement at the West Kowloon Station. This is to ensure the opening of the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link (XRL) in the third quarter of 2018.
Witman Hung Wai-man, secretary-general of Hong Kong-ASEAN Economic Cooperation Foundation and principal liaison officer for Hong Kong at the Shenzhen Qianhai Authority, agreed with Lee.
Hung, who is a HKSAR deputy-elect to the National People’s Congress, said Hong Kong would enjoy broader horizons and seize new opportunities in the Belt and Road Initiative and Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. The city could also rejoice in a stronger, more prosperous nation.
Taking pride in China’s achievements is what moved Eddy Li Sau-hung most after hearing President Xi’s speech.
Li, who is president of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Association, said there were indeed many things to be proud of. They included China’s economic prowess, its leading role in innovation and pioneering applications of technological advances to improve its people’s quality of life, he noted.
“We in the HKSAR are proud of our country and of being Chinese,” Li added.
Macao SAR Chief Executive Fernando Chui Sai-on, in his New Year message released on Sunday evening, expressed his appreciation for the strong support of Xi and the central government. Chui said this continued to be crucial to the Macao SAR’s ongoing achievements.
HKSAR Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuetngor discussed her new year’s resolutions. In a three-minute video uploaded on Sunday to her Facebook page, she wished everyone good health and prosperity in 2018. The CE reviewed challenges and achievements in her first year as chief executive. Lam said she looked forward to building a better society with the help of all Hong Kong’s people in 2018.