Hong Kong leader hails Fujian groups as key to national unity at National Day event
Chief Executive of Hong Kong praised Fujianese associations for supporting national and local unity at a National Day reception. She highlighted deepened cooperation between Hong Kong and Fujian province, and announced continued funding for hometown cultural programmes to strengthen ties with mainla
Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam addressed a National Day reception hosted by the Hong Kong Fujianese Associations Federation on 6 October 2026, celebrating the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. Speaking at the federation's renovated premises, she underscored the role of Fujianese compatriots in bridging Hong Kong and Fujian province.
Lam noted that 1.2 million Fujianese people live in Hong Kong, describing them and their hometown associations as "pillars of patriotism and devotion to Hong Kong." The federation, established in 1997, has consistently supported the SAR government's lawful administration, mobilised community volunteers for local services, and fostered neighbourhood cohesion through cultural events.
The Chief Executive recalled her June 2026 visit to Fujian for the fifth meeting of the Fujian-Hong Kong high-level cooperation forum. There, both sides agreed on 11 priority areas including finance, aviation and logistics, trade and investment, innovation and technology, and legal services. Six agreements covering cultural tourism, youth development, finance, trade and education were also signed, injecting fresh impetus into bilateral ties.
Lam highlighted the "Hong Kong First Five-Year Plan" announced on 16 September 2026, which identifies hometown associations as a vital force for promoting patriotic and pro-Hong Kong values aligned with the "one country, two systems" principle. The accompanying Policy Address pledges to allocate HK$10 million annually to the Hometown Culture Promotion Scheme, launched in 2024, which has already funded over 100 activities—including cultural promotion, community bonding and mainland exchanges.
She encouraged the federation to continue leveraging the scheme to showcase Fujianese traditions, unite compatriots in Hong Kong, and deepen cross-border collaboration. "I hope the federation will keep using the resources to promote Fujian culture, unite the Fujianese community, and drive mutual development between Fujian and Hong Kong," she said.
Lam concluded by wishing the nation prosperity, the two regions economic vigour, and attendees personal well-being.
