The chief executives of the Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions delivered their New Year messages on Monday, eyeing for a new start in the upcoming Chinese New Year.

The Year of the Tiger, according to the Chinese Zodiac, runs from February 1, 2022 to January 21, 2023.

Chief Executive Carrie Lam of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) extended Spring Festival greetings on Monday, saying that she believes Hong Kong is set to usher in a brighter future. 

In Chinese culture, the tiger symbolizes bravery, vigor and strength that can lift people from adversity and usher in final auspiciousness and peace. 

Noting that these characters attribute vividly describe the spirit of Hong Kong people, she said that the spirit will not only help the city get through the epidemic, but will also take Hong Kong into a new era of prosperity. 

Ho Iat Seng, chief executive of Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR), also extended his Spring Festival greetings on the Chinese New Year's Eve, saying that Macao will further integrate into overall national development and write a new chapter in the successful practice of "One Country, Two Systems" with Macao characteristics. 

In his Chinese New Year message, Ho pledged the government will continue to promote the building of the Guangdong-Macao in-depth cooperation zone in Hengqin, which is an area located in the southern part of Zhuhai city in Guangdong Province, just adjacent to Macao. 

The chief executive offered his best wishes for a successful, extraordinary and splendid Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games, an event due to open within days.  

It would enhance the joy of the festive season, and bring thrilling moments for the public, he said.