Foreign diplomats and business group leaders in Hong Kong voiced their confidence on Wednesday in the city's brighter future, especially with President Xi Jinping's commitment to adhere to the "one country, two systems" principle in the long run.

They made the remarks at a seminar held by the Commissioner's Office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. On June 30 and July 1, Xi inspected the HKSAR and made an important speech to mark the 25th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to the motherland.

David Graham, executive director of the British Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong, said Xi's speech conveyed a "very positive" message, with the emphasis that Hong Kong's distinctive advantages, such as its status of being an international financial hub and its common law legal system, will be maintained and consolidated under "one country, two systems" in the long run. It brings certainty to the international business community, he added.

Davide De Rosa, vice-chairman of the Italian Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong and Macao, said that Xi's address was well-received, as it reassured the business community about the Hong Kong SAR's role as a hub bridging China and the rest of the world.

He added the Italian chamber will continue to help foreign business to develop and thrive in Hong Kong and the mainland.

Amir Lati, consul general of Israel in Hong Kong, said that Xi's speech positioned Hong Kong as a unique place to be the world's "window,""bridge" and "connector" to the Chinese mainland.

In Lati's view, Xi's visit to Hong Kong Science Park demonstrated that he attached importance to innovation and technology in Hong Kong and the wider Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, providing much potential for deepening scientific cooperation with Israel, which also prioritizes technology development.

Yap Wei Sin, consul general of Malaysia in Hong Kong and Macao, said he believes that Hong Kong will secure much success, stability and prosperity in the next 25 years after hearing that Xi said there is no reason to change "one country, two systems", and it must be adhered to in the long run.

The consul general noted that a lot of fresh opportunities are arising in the city after China pledged to develop Hong Kong as an international hub in the legal arena and in the innovation and technological field.

He hopes Malaysia, the Chinese mainland and Hong Kong will take advantage of these opportunities to strengthen the scope and substance of collaboration for their mutual benefit.

Speaking at the seminar, Liu Guangyuan, commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the HKSAR, described Xi's inspection as a trip of "care, confidence and hope "that pointed the way forward for the city's steady development.

Liu said Xi's long-term commitment to "one country, two systems "also boosted the confidence of all sectors in Hong Kong and the international community. He called on international stakeholders to seize the great opportunities as the city enters a new stage of prosperity.

Contact the writers at shumanchen@chinadailyhk.com

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