Chief Executive John Lee today extended his warmest congratulations on the victorious conclusion of the Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China.

The session adopted the Recommendations of the CPC Central Committee for Formulating the 15th Five-Year Plan for Economic & Social Development. Mr Lee said that the session holds great significance, as this year marks the conclusion of the 14th Five-Year Plan period and the preparatory year for the 15th Five-Year Plan.

The session's communique stated that the session gave a highly positive assessment of the country's major achievements in development during the 14th Five-Year Plan period and outlined the main goals for economic and social development during the 15th Five-Year Plan period.

The session emphasised the need to unite in a concerted endeavour to accomplish the 15th Five-Year Plan; to promote the long-term prosperity and stability of Hong Kong and Macau; to promote the peaceful development of cross-strait relations and the cause of national reunification; and to contribute to the building of a global community of shared future.

The session also pointed out that thoroughly studying and implementing the spirit of the session is a major political task for the entire party and the country, both at present and in the near future.

Mr Lee was deeply inspired and encouraged by the victorious conclusion of the session.

He noted that despite the accelerating global changes unseen in a century during the 14th Five-Year Plan period, the country has solidly strived for high-quality development, achieving groundbreaking progress, transformative changes and historic accomplishments in economic and social development. Furthermore, the country has further deepened reform comprehensively, making impressive achievements that drew global attention.

The recommendations for the 15th Five-Year Plan adopted at the Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee will provide a top-level design and strategic blueprint for the country's development over the next five years and are of great significance and impact to Hong Kong.

Mr Lee said: “Under the 'one country, two systems' principle, Hong Kong enjoys the unique advantage of having the strong support of the country while being closely connected to the world. During the 14th Five-Year Plan period, Hong Kong has been actively integrating into national development and playing an important role as a super connector and super value-adder for the world.

“The 15th Five-Year Plan period is crucial for the nation in building a great country and moving toward national rejuvenation on all fronts through Chinese modernisation. It also coincides with a critical period when the implementation of 'one country, two systems' enters a new stage and Hong Kong accelerates its progression from governance to prosperity.

“In the face of profound and complex changes in the circumstances for development, where strategic opportunities coexist with risks and challenges with increasing uncertainties and unpredictable factors, Hong Kong will identify and focus on its advantageous positioning in the country's development blueprint, proactively align with the chapters on Hong Kong and Macau in the 15th Five-Year Plan, seize the significant opportunities brought about by the country's development, and leverage its own unique advantages in national development.

“All sectors of the Hong Kong community should earnestly study and implement the spirit of the Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee, give full play to the strength and value of 'patriots administering Hong Kong' and, in the nation's continuous progress of building a great country and moving toward national rejuvenation on all fronts through Chinese modernisation, fulfil Hong Kong's responsibilities, seize Hong Kong's opportunities and make Hong Kong's contributions,” Mr Lee added.