Beijing’s new liaison office chief has said Hong Kong is in a “critical stage of opening a new chapter” and should further embrace reforms to broaden its economy in a speech delivered on the eve of the city’s 28th handover anniversary.

Zhou Ji also said on Monday evening Hong Kong should “achieve breakthroughs and tackle core issues” to improve development while maintaining a robust “bottom line” of safety to pave the way for further growth.

“Hong Kong is in a critical stage of opening a new chapter and realising new heights,” he said at a gala celebration ahead of the anniversary of Hong Kong’s return to the nation on Tuesday.

“With opportunities ahead of us, time waits for no one. We must act proactively and seize the momentum for progress, building a better Hong Kong with united hearts.”

The city would need to embrace reforms and unleash new productive forces for economic transformation, Zhou added.