Strengthening the Relationship with the Central Authorities and the Mainland

11. A good relationship between the Central Authorities and the SAR is the cornerstone for the successful implementation of “One Country, Two Systems”. It is also a prerequisite for our sustained economic growth and constitutional development. There is increasing recognition by the people of Hong Kong that we and our Mainland compatriots are of the same blood. We share a common interest and destiny. We ride on the same boat. In recent years, exchanges between Hong Kong and the Central Authorities, indeed exchanges with all of the Mainland, have intensified. This has led to a broadening of contacts and much closer ties. We complement each other, and we both reap substantial benefits as a result.

12. With more exchanges between Hong Kong and the Mainland, the SAR Government must engage in more dialogue with the Central Authorities and other Mainland authorities at all levels. I will actively promote contacts and exchanges between the SAR and the Central Authorities. All Principal Officials and Permanent Secretaries will visit Beijing and other places in the Mainland more frequently to enhance communication and mutual understanding and to engage in discussions on substantive issues. Here, I would like to urge all Honourable Members of this Council, District Councillors and members of the public to be increasingly concerned about matters affecting our country, to open up more communication channels and to have more contacts with the Mainland. We will, through different measures, familiarise our officials with Mainland affairs and major national policies and encourage more Mainland visits by Legislative Councillors. We will increase promotion of the Basic Law and civic education to enhance Hong Kong people’s understanding of, and concern for, our country.

13. The SAR Government has established the Office of the Government of the HKSAR in Beijing and the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Guangdong. To further promote our exchanges and co-operation with eastern China and the southwestern region, and to provide additional support services to Hong Kong people visiting the Mainland, the SAR Government will discuss with the Central Authorities setting up additional offices in Shanghai and Chengdu. To better co-ordinate the promotion of closer ties with the Mainland, and to facilitate exchanges and co-operation with Guangdong, the Pan-Pearl River Delta (Pan-PRD) and many other areas in the Mainland, I have decided to expand the powers and functions of the Constitutional Affairs Bureau by establishing a Mainland Affairs Liaison Office within it. This office will oversee the work of the existing Hong Kong Guangdong Co-operation Co-ordination Unit and all our offices in the Mainland.

14. Hong Kong deputies to the National People’s Congress (NPC) are elected locally in accordance with the law to participate in the work of the highest organ of state power. Hong Kong members of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) participate in discussions on state affairs. Both play an important role and have a better understanding of the Central Authorities and the Mainland. The SAR Government will forge closer ties with NPC deputies and CPPCC members so that they may better play their role.