Hong Kong has made tremendous gains in social and economic development since its return to China in 1997.

Over the past 19 years, the region's GDP has almost doubled. And ever since its return, the central government has provided support in strengthening Hong Kong's status as an international finance and trade center.

A World Competitiveness Yearbook published last year by the Swiss-based International Institute for Management Development ranks Hong Kong number one among 61 global economies. Another report issued last year by US think tank the Heritage Foundation ranked Hong Hong as the world's freest economy, representing the 22nd consecutive year that the region has claimed such a title.

The central government has helped Hong Kong weather many storms, such as the Asian financial crisis and the global financial tsunami. Beijing also facilitated the establishment of the Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect and the Shenzhen-Hong Kong Stock Connect, encouraging major mainland companies to list in Hong Kong's stock markets.