BEIJING — The Chinese central government is determined to support the development of Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions and promote cooperation between the mainland and the two regions, according to a government work report delivered by Premier Li Keqiang on March 5.

We will steadfastly carry out the principles of "one country, two systems," the people of Hong Kong governing Hong Kong, the people of Macao governing Macao, and both regions enjoying a high degree of autonomy, according to the report delivered at the Third Session of the 12th National People's Congress (NPC), China's top legislature.

"We will give full support to the chief executives and governments of the Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions in governing their regions in accordance with the law, growing the economy, improving people's standard of living, advancing democracy, and promoting social harmony," the report read.

The two regions are expected to continue playing their special roles in the country's reform, opening up, and modernization, it read.

"We are confident that with the central government continuing its strong support for Hong Kong and Macao, and with continuous improvements to their own competitiveness, these two regions will enjoy long-term prosperity and stability."