As social and economic development is of great importance for improving people's quality of life and maintaining Hong Kong's international prestige, society should shift its focus back to boosting Hong Kong's development, Zhang said.

Before the banquet, Zhang met with 10 lawmakers, including four from the opposition camp, along with members of the Executive Council. Speaking to reporters after the meeting, lawmakers and party leaders expressed their optimism that the meeting would bring positive energy to Hong Kong.

Regina Ip Lau Suk-yee, chairwoman of the New People's Party, said she was honored to have the opportunity to express her views to Zhang on Wednesday. Ip said she found the meeting to be very productive and hoped for more such meetings in the future.

Jeffrey Lam Kin-fung, a lawmaker from the commercial sector, said: "The central government cares about Hong Kong's economy, which is facing downward pressure amid the drop in mainland visitors. But Hong Kong's economy can't survive on its own. It will get better only when the national economy is doing well."

Calling the meeting historic, Starry Lee Wai-king, chairwoman of the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong, said Zhang is very familiar with Hong Kong affairs.

Earlier on Wednesday, Zhang, who oversees Hong Kong and Macao affairs, pledged the central government's full support for Hong Kong in making full use of its unique advantages in participating in the Belt and Road Initiative.

Four key areas that Zhang highlighted for Hong Kong to tap into its strengths were building a platform of comprehensive services; facilitating capital flows and promoting renminbi internationalization and development of the Belt and Road investment and financing platform; promoting cultural exchanges along the Belt and Road routes; and deepening cooperation with the mainland and jointly developing markets along the routes.

luisliu@chinadailyhk.com