NPC | Zhang Dejiang asks for economic diversification

Zhang Dejiang

China’s top legislator Zhang Dejiang said yesterday the central authority will act strictly in compliance with the Constitution and the respective Basic Law of Hong Kong and Macau.
Zhang, chairman of the National People’s Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, made the remarks when joining group deliberations with national lawmakers from Hong Kong and Macau, two special administrative regions.
Hong Kong and Macau will experience an important period in the next five years with significant opportunities for development, Zhang said, adding that the central authority will continue to adhere to the principles of “one country, two systems,” the people of Hong Kong governing Hong Kong, the people of Macau governing Macau, and both regions enjoying a high degree of autonomy.
Hong Kong and Macau should continue in the right development direction, consolidate consensus for development, display their unique advantages and functions, and promote the “one country, two systems” policy along the correct path, the top legislator said.
“Hong Kong’s biggest advantage is its reliance on the inland areas of the motherland,” Zhang told the national lawmakers from Hong Kong, urging the region to “seek development, maintain stability and promote harmony”, and seize opportunities in the country’s implementation of the 13th Five-
Year Plan and the Belt and Road Initiative.
When meeting with lawmakers from Macau, Zhang urged the region to take advantage of the country’s 13th Five-Year Plan and the central authority’s supportive policies to Macau, and bolster a moderately diversified economy. MDT/Xinhua