Hong Kong's Chief Executive, John Lee, attended the opening meeting of the second session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) today (March 5) in Beijing.

Chinese President Xi Jinping and other national leaders attended the opening meeting. Premier Li Qiang delivered a government work report at the meeting.

Lee said the city will faithfully implement the "one country, two systems" principle while proactively aligning itself with the country's development, as the nation enters a key year of its 14th five-year plan.

Speaking in Beijing after Premier Li Qiang delivered his work report to the NPC, Lee felt "encouraged" by the Premier's support for Hong Kong to continue upholdoing the principles of "one country, two systems", "Hong Kong people administering Hong Kong" and "patriots governing HK", while maintaining a high degree of autonomy.

"This year marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of the nation, it's also a key year to realize the country's 14th five-year plan. The Hong Kong SAR government will fully grasp the massive opportunities brought by the 14th five-year development plan, the building of the Greater Bay Area, as well as the promotion of the Belt and Road Initiative, to proactively integrate into national development, while improving the city's international competitiveness," Lee said.

Lee pledged that authorities would give full play to the "power and value" of the "patriots running the city" principle, uniting all sectors of society while going all out to develop the city's economy and improve people's livelihoods.

The chief executive also encouraged the city's NPC deputies, and its members of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, to continue putting forward constructive suggestions and proposals.