President says opportunities lie ahead, calls for confidence in region and country

President Xi Jinping delivers a speech on Friday at a banquet hosted by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region's government to welcome the president. [Photo/Xinhua]

President Xi Jinping called on Friday for Hong Kong people to have confidence in themselves, the government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and the country, ahead of the 20th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to China.

Hong Kong people have made tremendous contributions to the country's reform and opening-up in the past decades, which will never be forgotten by the central government and the whole nation, Xi said while delivering a speech at a banquet hosted by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region's government to welcome the president.

Xi pointed out that Hong Kong has many advantages, including an open and free economy, free flow of talent, cargo and capital, an advanced judicial system and clean government.

Hong Kong also has policy advantages, as some pilot projects take place in Hong Kong under the framework of "one country, two systems", the president said, adding that such projects will bring more opportunities for the development of the Hong Kong SAR.

As long as Hong Kong strengthens those advantages, it will definitely continue to attract international capital and talent, Xi said.

Noting that China has become the largest contributor to global economic growth, Xi said the country's rapid development means great opportunities for Hong Kong. The country's prosperity will help Hong Kong resist risks and boost development, he said.

Saturday marks the 20th anniversary of Hong Kong's return from British rule and the establishment of the Hong Kong SAR. Xi will attend the inauguration of the fifth-term government of the Hong Kong SAR on Saturday.