BEIJING, Dec. 15 -- Premier Li Keqiang Friday pledged full support for law-based governance by the governments of Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions (SARs) when meeting with the leaders of the two regions.
Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor, Hong Kong SAR chief executive, and Chui Sai On, Macao SAR chief executive, were in Beijing to report the work of the SAR governments to the central government.
Premier Li said that the central government will continue to uphold "one country, two systems" and the principles of "Hong Kong people administering Hong Kong," and "Macao people administering Macao" with a high degree of autonomy.
Under the leadership of Carrie Lam, the new Hong Kong SAR government has worked in union to fulfill its promises, connect with the nation's development strategies, address issues of concern to Hong Kong people, and maintain the region's economic growth momentum, Li said, adding that the central government "fully endorses the work of Chief Executive Carrie Lam and the new SAR government."
The premier expressed his hope that the Hong Kong SAR government and Hong Kong people will foster emerging industries and new growth engines, and promote sustainable development while guarding against various risks.
When separately meeting with Chui, the premier praised the Macao SAR government for propelling public administration reforms, improving the Macao economy and the people's livelihood, and maintaining a stable and harmonious society.
The central government fully endorses the work of Chief Executive Chui and the Macao SAR government, he said.
Premier Li said Macao should pursue diversified economic development, intensify talent training and introduction, and step up support for young people in innovative and entrepreneurship.
He also encouraged the two SAR governments to proactively participate in the Belt and Road Initiative and the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.
Lam said Hong Kong's development had benefited from the development of the country and the support of the central government. She vowed to bring Hong Kong into deeper integration with the nation's development and vigorously promote the development of the financial sector, innovative technology and the innovation industry.
Chui also thanked the central government for its support of Macao's economic and social development, and pledged to synergize Macao's development with national development strategies and pursue appropriate diversification of Macao's economy.