The following is issued on behalf of the Legislative Council Secretariat:

     The Director of the Hong Kong and Macao Work Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, Mr Xia Baolong, held a discussion and exchanged views with Legislative Council (LegCo) Members on the National Affairs Study Visit in the Hong Kong Hall of the Great Hall of the People yesterday (July 24).

     During the discussion, Members shared their reflections on the Study Visit enthusiastically. They also expressed their views on discharging their duties, the latest economic development and social situation in Hong Kong, innovation and technology, and more.

     Mr Xia affirmed the work of LegCo. He encouraged Members to step up their learning, strengthen unity and keep fulfilling their duties with diligence. Mr Xia stressed that the Central Authorities will continue to fully, faithfully and resolutely implement "one country, two systems", and that policy will not change. In this new era, LegCo must assume a greater role to support the Chief Executive and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government in administering Hong Kong in accordance with the law, so as to enhance governance efficacy of the HKSAR, inject new impetus for the city's growth, and tackle the most imminent concerns of the people.

     During the discussion, LegCo President, Dr Starry Lee, pointed out that all Members have gained a lot through systematic learning about the country's development concepts and the institution of state governance. Dr Lee said, "We must establish a holistic outlook, think outside the box, and consider issues from the overall interests of the country and Hong Kong." She added that, in the face of the major opportunities brought by the National 15th Five-Year Plan and Hong Kong's First Five-Year Plan, LegCo must proactively align with these developments. Members should also continuously enrich their knowledge and enhance the capabilities of research and inspection to ensure that all bills scrutinised and policy recommendations made by Members can stand the test of time and practice.

     Yesterday morning, Members attended the closing ceremony of the National Affairs Study Visit at the National Academy of Governance. The Deputy Director of the Hong Kong and Macao Work Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, Mr Zhou Ji, attended and presented the certificates of completion to representatives of Members.

     LegCo has concluded its Study Visit programme in Beijing. Members will depart for Hong Kong today (July 25) morning.

     Click here to watch the video highlight of yesterday's Study Visit.

Ends/Saturday, July 25, 2026
Issued at HKT 0:49

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