Photo taken on Oct. 24, 2019 shows a view of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge from the "Ngong Ping 360" cable car in Hong Kong. (Xinhua/Cheong Kam Ka)

He said this role of "super bridge" will be even more effective under "dual circulation" if Hong Kong fully integrates the needs of the country with the strengths of itself.

In its latest five-year plan, the central government proposed support for Hong Kong to consolidate and enhance its position as an international financial, trade and shipping center, Leung said. "To achieve the goal, Hong Kong needs to do more and better, and most importantly, seizing the emerging opportunities from the country's development."

"As long as we overcome the short-term difficulties, I remain confident in Hong Kong's future," Leung said.