Foreign news

Xi Jinping: Next five years ‘crucial time’ for Hong Kong to make breakthroughs

Published

3 years ago

July 2, 2022

The practice of “One Country, Two Systems” in Hong Kong has achieved accomplishments “recognized worldwide,” Chinese President Xi Jinping said on a visit to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) on Friday.

Xi made the remarks at a meeting celebrating the 25th anniversary of Hong Kong’s return to China and the inaugural ceremony of the sixth-term government of the HKSAR.

Xi said Hong Kong’s return opened a new epoch in its history during which it has made irreplaceable contributions to the miracle of long-term, steady and fast economic development of the motherland.

Hong Kong has become an integral part of the country’s overall development and actively aligned with national development strategies, the president said. It has continued to maintain the strengths of being highly free and open and compatible with international rules, he added.

Hong Kong has played an important role in advancing the new paradigm of China’s opening up on a larger scale, across more areas and in greater depth, he said.

The next five years will be crucial for Hong Kong to achieve breakthroughs, Xi said, calling for joint efforts from the new HKSAR government and all social sectors to improve governance, strengthen growth drivers, address difficulties in people’s lives, and safeguard harmony and stability.

Full, faithful implementation of ‘One Country, Two Systems’

Xi stressed the need to fully and faithfully implement the “One Country, Two Systems” policy.

Upholding national sovereignty together with security and development interests are paramount in the policy, he said. On the basis of this prerequisite, Hong Kong and Macao should maintain their capitalist system over the long run and enjoy a high degree of autonomy, he added.

Calling on Hong Kong to keep strengthening the momentum of development, Xi said the central government fully supports the HKSAR in aligning with national development strategies, developing more extensive and closer exchanges and cooperation with the world, advancing reforms in an active and prudent manner, and fully unleashing the enormous creativity and development vitality of Hong Kong society.

John Lee was sworn in as the sixth-term chief executive of the HKSAR at a ceremony overseen by President Xi.

In his inauguration speech, Lee said Hong Kong has encountered various challenges in the last 25 years, including the global financial crisis, social unrest and the COVID-19 pandemic, but has overcome all of them, thanks to the “resilience and strong will” of the people, as well as unique advantages under the “One Country, Two Systems” policy.

He vowed to adopt a “results-oriented approach” to tackle Hong Kong’s long-term issues, such as housing and land supply, whilst bolstering the city’s overall competitiveness in its traditional role as a global financial hub and as an emerging center for innovation and technology, as well as arts and cultural exchange.

(CGTN’s Huang Fei contributed to the story.)

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Foreign news

Pakistan Moves to Deepen Diplomatic, Economic Relations With Nigeria

Published

4 days ago

November 27, 2025

The Gleamer

The Government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan has called for deeper diplomatic and economic ties with the Nigerian government to foster development for both countries.

Mr Rana Ihsaan, the Coordinator to the Prime Minister of Pakistan made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) during his working vist to Nigeria on Wednesday in Abuja.

NAN reports that the visiting Coordinator held a closed-door meeting with Yusuf Tuggar, the Minister of Foreign Affairs.

After the meeting, he said that both both sides had agreed on deepening relations in the areas of trade and commerce, among others.

Ihsaan said that both countries must see the need to accelerate efforts towards a Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA).

He said that Pakistan had already submitted a draft BTA and was awaiting Nigeria’s response.

According to him, discussions centered on easing visa processes, expanding educational exchanges, and strengthening Cooperation in sectors such as Minerals, Youth training, and Defence were highlighted.

Ihsaan said that Pakistan had already implemented visa-on-arrival for Nigerians at no cost, and urged Nigeria to reciprocate to enhance people-to-people ties.

He stressed the importance of high-level engagements between both nations, describing Nigeria and Pakistan as very similar countries with large populations, youthful demographics, and vast economic potentials.

“Deeper collaboration will unlock opportunities in trade, education and investment, while further solidifying long-standing diplomatic relations,” he said.

He said that aside from visiting the foriegn Minister and other top government officials in Nigeria, he was also in the country to attend the on-going West Africa Beauty Exhibition holding in Lagos.

He described the exhibition as one of the continent’s largest cosmetic fairs, adding that he led a delegation of 19 Pakistani business people exploring Nigeria’s estimated 10 million dollar beauty and cosmetics market.

Ihsaan said that Nigeria was a gateway to Africa, adding that Pakistani products, like cosmetics, Textiles, Pharmaceuticals, Food items and Sports goods were already gaining traction in the country.

He encouraged Pakistani exhibitors to establish offices, Warehouses and logistics partnerships to strengthen their foothold in the Nigerian market.

Ihsaan further addressed concerns from Nigerian businesses on the ease of doing business in Pakistan.

He said that the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan had been supporting Nigerian participants at major exhibitions to achieve the ease of doing business.

“The Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) serves as a one-stop platform for Nigerians interested in investing in Pakistan,” he said

Culled from NAN

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