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The 20th National Congress in Focus – Together We Embark on a New Journey

Source of photo: Tai Kung Pao

Ten years on since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC), the CPC Central Committee, with General Secretary Xi Jinping at the core, has achieved the first centennial goal by leading China into a new era of socialism with Chinese characteristics and in accomplishing the historic mission of getting rid of poverty and building a moderately prosperous society in all respects. These achievements, while signifying a historic victory through unity and hard work on the part of the CPC and the whole nation, have made a far-reaching impact on the world.

In the past five years, our country has faced various challenges on the development front. In addition to the sudden onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and the rapid changes in the international landscape, the deepening of reform has entered a deep-water zone. Nevertheless, the CPC has, during the years, united people of all ethnic groups within the nation in an effort to tackle the complex situation and enormous challenges, steadily promote reform and foster high-quality development, thereby resolving various long-standing problems and hence steering the nation towards continuous development of socialism with Chinese characteristics in a new era.

Hong Kong has been witnessing our country's development by participating in and benefiting from it. History has proved that under the leadership of the CPC and with the staunch support of our country, Hong Kong has managed to ride out storms and rise to challenges. The "One Country, Two Systems" principle is not only an institutional strength of our country, but also the cornerstone of Hong Kong's success. Its full, accurate and faithful implementation is the key to Hong Kong's thriving development, enabling the city to swiftly move from chaos to order and progress further to prosperity.

At the opening of the 20th National Congress of the CPC this morning, General Secretary Xi delivered a report on behalf of the 19th CPC Central Committee. The report, which is both heartening and encouraging, gives us a clearer direction for achieving our goals and strengthen our resolve and confidence. We must, therefore, study in depth and understand in full the report, making it a guide for our work in Hong Kong. It is imperative that we fully and resolutely implement the "One Country, Two Systems" principle, while striving towards the second centennial goal of building China into a great modern socialist country in all respects.

With a heart filled with joy and happiness, we are embarking on a new journey in a new era. Our country will basically realise socialist modernisation between 2020 and 2035, and build itself into a great modern socialist country that is prosperous, strong, democratic, culturally advanced, harmonious and beautiful between 2035 and the middle of this century. The next five years will be crucial as our country sets out to build itself into a modern socialist country in all respects. We must take part in the process and contribute to advancing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation with Chinese-style modernisation on all fronts.

Our country is committed to promoting higher quality economic development, accelerating the construction of a new development pattern, deepening reform in a sustained manner and upholding the principle of having "technology as the prime production force, talent as the prime resource and innovation as the prime driving force". Hong Kong needs to give fuller play to its strengths and speed up development in the same direction, particularly in the face of the prevailing complex and volatile international environment. Hong Kong has to strengthen co-operation with the Mainland and overseas countries, highlight the role of innovation and technology in fostering economic development, and co-ordinate and implement policies in a holistic manner so as to better leverage Hong Kong's position and advantages as our country's international financial centre as well as international innovation and technology hub.

General Secretary Xi has clearly expressed his support for Hong Kong to develop its economy and improve people's livelihood. He has urged us to resolve the deep-seated conflicts and issues arising in the course of social and economic development, promote long-term stability and prosperity, better integrate into the overall development of our country and play a bigger role in realising the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. These kind words and expectations have enlightened us on what direction to take and goals to achieve. While knowing that we are charged with a great responsibility, we are also honoured to be entrusted with the mission. We must strive hard to start a new chapter for Hong Kong together.

October 16, 2022