The Civil Service Bureau today held a session on the spirit of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) at the Central Government Offices, with Chief Executive John Lee as keynote speaker.

The session aims to enable participants to have a deeper exploration and understanding of the spirit of the 20th National Congress and the positioning and role of Hong Kong.

The CPC's 20th National Congress concluded victoriously on October 22 in Beijing.

The National Congress approved a report presented by Secretary General Xi Jinping on behalf of the 19th CPC Central Committee, which stressed that the “one country, two systems” principle is a great innovation of socialism with Chinese characteristics.

Addressing the session, Mr Lee said the 20th National Congress has conducted a thorough review of the party's major achievements and invaluable experience in the new era, providing in-depth analysis on the international and domestic development, and formulating an action plan for the next five years’ development.

It drives planning and deployment for the country’s endeavours from a strategic perspective, bearing profound immediate importance and milestone historical significance, Mr Lee added.

He noted that the 20th National Congress report highlighted the advancement for the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation on all fronts through a Chinese path to modernisation.

It provided a systematic elaboration on the new ideas, new thinking, and new strategies on the “one country, two systems” principle, mentioned the support for Hong Kong in growing its economy, improving people’s livelihood as well as resolving deep-seated issues and problems in economic and social development.

The report also outlined giving full play to Hong Kong’s strengths and distinctive features for better integration into China’s overall development.

It is an important guide for the city to promote a transition from chaos to order, and now advancing from stability to prosperity, the Chief Executive added.

“An accurate understanding on the essence of the 20th National Congress would help facilitate our understanding of our country’s policies and the steady and successful implementation of ‘one country, two systems’, so that we can better leverage on our strengths and characteristics for a better Hong Kong.”

Mr Lee hoped that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government’s top echelons and civil service could have an in-depth understanding of the spirit of the 20th National Congress.

They should also continue to adopt the “four musts” and the “four proposals” raised by the Secretary General as a governance blueprint in contributing to the country and Hong Kong with their strengths, he added.

Secretary for the Civil Service Ingrid Yeung told participants that the positioning of the Hong Kong SAR in the country is based upon the city’s edge, and it should better integrate itself into the country’s overall development.

She expressed hope that the Heads of Departments would encourage colleagues to learn more about the country, adding that the Civil Service College will also organise training programmes on contemporary China and the holistic view of national security.

The session was attended by more than 130 officials comprising Secretaries of Departments, Directors of Bureaus, Executive Council members, Permanent Secretaries and Heads of Departments.