Hong Kong faces new opportunities in 2017: central government official

Year 2017 is of special significance to Hong Kong, said Zhang Xiaoming, director of the Liaison Office of the Chinese Central People's Government in Hong Kong, on Thursday.

In 2017, Hong Kong will celebrate the 20th anniversary of its return to the motherland and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) will elect a government, thus ushering in a new phase and new opportunities for Hong Kong's development, Zhang said.

"We sincerely hope that the HKSAR government functions well, Hong Kong people live in harmony and Hong Kong prospers in the new year," he said at a Spring Festival reception held here by the liaison office.

"We also wish that the Hong Kong society adds positive energy and promotes harmony," he said.

"To make the wishes come true, all of us should not forget our original intentions. We must always keep in mind the 'One country, Two systems' principle. We must be fully aware that the 'One country, Two systems' principle and the Basic Law are the unshakable foundations to keep Hong Kong prosperous and stable," Zhang said.

"We must properly handle the relations between the HKSAR and the central government as well as the relations between the HKSAR and the nation. We must stick to the bottom line of the principle and show mutual respect and tolerance," he said. Endit