Chinese Premier Li Qiang has called on Hong Kong to boost its governance efficiency and leverage its “unique strengths” in connecting with the world while being supported by the rest of the country.

In the government work report he delivered at the opening session of the National People’s Congress (NPC) in Beijing on Thursday, the country’s No 2 official also stressed the need to transform the Greater Bay Area into an international innovation and technology (I&T) hub.

Li underscored the need to enhance the governance efficacy of Hong Kong and Macau in accordance with the law to drive economic and social development, while ensuring the two cities were ruled by patriots.

Beijing supported both cities in better integrating with overall national development and making contributions to its advancement, he said.

“Hong Kong and Macau should leverage their unique advantages and important roles of maintaining close connections with both the mainland and the world, thus fostering long-term prosperity and stability there,” Li said.

Last year, the premier encouraged Hong Kong to deepen international exchanges and cooperation, grow its economy, improve people’s livelihoods and faithfully safeguard the constitutional order stipulated in the country’s constitution.