'One country, two systems' will further benefit Hong Kong in new era: Liaison office director

HONG KONG -- With "one country, two systems" as its greatest advantage, Hong Kong will acquire more of a sense of contentment and happiness by staying committed to the basis of "one country" and well leveraging the benefits of "two systems," an official said here Tuesday.

Wang Zhimin, director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government of China in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), made the remarks while addressing more than 4,000 attendees at the liaison office's Chinese New Year reception held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center.

In 2018, China celebrated the 40th anniversary of its reform and opening-up, and solemnly declared a firm resolve to carry on this cause without pause in the new era, Wang said.

He added that Hong Kong has actively participated in the development of the Belt and Road Initiative and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, with a positive trend of integrating itself into the country's overall development.

"By participating in the Greater Bay Area construction, the HKSAR, for the first time, is deeply engaged in drafting and implementing an outline of a national strategic plan," he said.

"All of these achievements again explain that 'one country, two systems' is Hong Kong's greatest advantage and the Chinese mainland with reform and opening-up is Hong Kong's biggest stage," he said.

This year marks the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. Pointing out that during the past 70 years, Hong Kong has always been developing and thriving together with the mainland, Wang expressed hope that all circles of Hong Kong society will contribute to the country's comprehensive opening-up in a more proactive manner.

"Hong Kong compatriots will acquire more of a sense of contentment, security and happiness by staying committed to the basis of 'one country' and well leveraging the benefits of 'two systems'," he said.

Wang also pledged that the liaison office will open its doors wider in the new year, and will invite the HKSAR government officials and friends from various social walks, including all members of the HKSAR Legislature Council, for a gathering to further enhance mutual understanding.