Theme and Key Messages
A New Era – Stability. Prosperity. Opportunity
In 2022, we celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) of the People’s Republic of China. This is an important milestone for our nation and Hong Kong. “A New Era – Stability. Prosperity. Opportunity” not only captures Hong Kong's impressive achievements over the past two and a half decades, it also underscores our eager anticipation for and confidence in a brighter future. Remaining true to the original aspiration of “One Country, Two Systems”, the common goal of the Central Authorities and the HKSAR Government is to maintain long-term stability and prosperity and to work hand-in-hand to usher in a new era of opportunities to unleash Hong Kong’s unique strengths under the national development of the “14th Five-Year Plan” and within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.
A New Era – Stability and Prosperity
Stability is the cornerstone of development; good governance is a major factor in providing a safe place in which to live and work and promoting socio-economic development. Since our return to the Motherland on 1 July, 1997, the HKSAR Government has been committed to maintaining the prosperity and stability of Hong Kong under the principle of “One Country, Two Systems”. Upholding the constitutional order established by the Constitution and the Basic Law is the cornerstone of society’s long-term prosperity and stability, as well as the foundation for our hope in the future.
Over the past 25 years, Hong Kong has faced various challenges but has always shown resilience, turned crises into opportunities and emerged stronger. The past three years have been particularly tough – our economy was shaken by the riots and violence in 2019 and has been further severely affected since the COVID-19 outbreak in early 2020. The implementation of the Hong Kong National Security Law provided the necessary legal framework and mechanisms to safeguard national security and maintain stability. With improvements to the electoral system and full implementation of the principle of “patriots administering Hong Kong”, the HKSAR’s constitutional order has been restored – the country’s sovereignty, security and development interests are being safeguarded which, in turn, ensures stability and the successful implementation of “One Country, Two Systems”.
A New Era – Opportunities and Integration into National Development
As the Country embarks on a new phase under the domestic and international “dual circulation” development paradigm, Hong Kong is poised to enter a new era of opportunities as we better integrate into national development. The “14th Five-Year Plan” and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area will herald huge opportunities for Hong Kong people and businesses in building our future together.
Hong Kong should not only consolidate our existing competitive edges, but also develop new advantages and make new contributions. Under the “14th Five-Year Plan”, the Central Government supports Hong Kong in consolidating and upgrading its four “traditional centres” of international finance, transportation, trade, and legal and dispute resolution services in the Asia-Pacific region. And, for the first time, support has also been given to establish and develop “four emerging centres” – international aviation, international innovation and technology (I&T), regional intellectual property trading, and arts and cultural exchanges between China and the rest of the world.
Under the “dual circulation” new development paradigm, Hong Kong will become a “participant” in domestic circulation and a “facilitator” of international circulation. This will contribute to the country’s overall needs, help Hong Kong better integrate into national development, and create new space and motivation to promote Hong Kong’s economic and social development for a brighter future.
The HKSAR Government will make best use of our unique and irreplaceable advantages under “One Country, Two Systems”. By adhering to the original aspiration, and with a proactive, pragmatic attitude and a persevering spirit we can maintain a safe and peaceful society, revive the economy, enhance Hong Kong’s international reputation and foster confidence and hope in the community to embark upon a new and exciting chapter of the “Hong Kong Story”.