HK Return: Big changes achieved

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02:44

In the past year, Hong Kong has made steady progress in many aspects under the leadership of the new SAR government. CGTN's Li Jiejun has more.

This is the latest invention to come out of the Hong Kong Applied Science & Technology Research Institute. The organization won dozens of prizes at the International Exhibition of Inventions in Geneva this year, showcasing Hong Kong's power in high-tech development.

The HKSAR government has made unprecedented efforts to develop innovation and technology over the past year. More than 20 Hong Kong laboratories and research centers received national-level funding as part of President Xi Jinping's pledge to support the city's ambition to become a global innovation hub.

HUGH CHOW CEO, ASTRI "Hong Kong has advantages in developing Artificial Intelligence and block chain technology. We have talents and the capabilities, and now we have the funding, and we can also join national projects. This is great encouragement.

Sci-tech cooperation between the city and the mainland has been promoted, while transportation links have been strengthened. The cross-border high-speed rail link between Hong Kong and Guangzhou, the Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macau Bridge, are expected to open soon. And the guidelines of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area are also expected to be released soon.

Meanwhile, stability has gradually returned to society. Almost 20 activists participating in the 2016 Mong Kok riots have been sentenced.

When President Xi Jinping visited Hong Kong last year, he warned that "any attempt to endanger China's sovereignty and security", or to "use Hong Kong to carry out infiltration and sabotage against the mainland is an act that crosses the red line and is absolutely impermissible".

TAM YIU-CHUNG HK NPC DEPUTY "After the President's visit, Hong Kong has been gradually returning to the right direction. More and more people understand what's good for Hong Kong, and what is the right way."

CARRIE LAM HK CHIEF EXECUTIVE "President Xi visited Hong Kong last year and delivered very important speeches. This sets a very good beginning for our administration. This year is vital, it marks the 40th anniversary of our country's reform and opening-up. Hong Kong will have two big opportunities, one is brought along by the Belt & Road initiative, the other is the Greater Bay Area."

LI JIEJUN HONG KONG "Under the one country, two systems, Hong Kong is integrating its own development into overall national development. With the central government's support and the SAR government's effort, the city can be more prosperous in the future. LJJ, CGTN, HK."