Leverage unique strengths and global role, Beijing’s No 2 tells Hong Kong

Chinese Premier Li Qiang has called on Hong Kong to leverage its “unique strengths” and pivotal role in connecting with the world, with backing from the mainland.In the government work report he delivered at the opening session of the National People’s Congress (NPC) in Beijing on Thursday, the country’s No 2 official also stressed the need to transform the Greater Bay Area into an international innovation and technology (I&T) hub, urging the city to enhance governance efficiency.“[We should] support their integration and contribution to the overall national development and leverage the unique advantages and important roles of Hong Kong and Macau as they are backed by the motherland and connected to the world, thus fostering long-term prosperity and stability in Hong Kong and Macau,” he said.While the 2025 report had called on Hong Kong to deepen international exchanges and cooperation, this year marked the first time Li called on the city to use its unique strengths and connections to the world, with the country’s support. Li assumed office in 2023.NPC is China’s highest organ of state power and a legislative body that formally approves decisions made by the Communist Party. The institution, which meets annually for the “two sessions”, functions to set national economic targets and implement legal frameworks.Li told the NPC session that the central government had stepped up support for I&T innovation, including efforts to develop the bay area into a world-class incubator for technology.