China's top political advisory body held a virtual consultation session on Friday to discuss the roles of Hong Kong and Macao in China's development of new systems for a higher-standard open economy.

The meeting of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) was chaired by Wang Huning, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the CPPCC National Committee.

Wang emphasized the importance of focusing research on key issues related to the roles of Hong Kong and Macao in China's development of new systems for a higher-standard open economy.

He called for actionable and targeted policy recommendations to support the implementation of national policies that aid the development of Hong Kong and Macao.

Twelve members of the CPPCC National Committee delivered remarks from Beijing, Fujian, Hong Kong, Macao and other locations via video link.

They proposed enhancing the coordination of economic regulations and mechanisms across Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao to facilitate the efficient flow of people, goods, capital and data, thereby improving market integration.

Recommendations included consolidating Hong Kong's status as an international financial, shipping and trade center, leveraging Macao's unique advantages as a platform for cooperation between China and Portuguese-speaking countries, and expanding smooth and convenient international connections.

Officials from relevant departments provided information and engaged in discussions with national political advisors.

Holding consultation sessions on specific themes remains a regular practice for the CPPCC National Committee to fulfill its functions of political consultation, democratic oversight and participation in the deliberation and administration of state affairs.