Hong Kong residents shall have freedom of _____________.

The correct answer is rooted in the scope of rights and freedoms guaranteed to residents under the Basic Law of Hong Kong. The Basic Law, which serves as the constitutional document for the Territory, enshrines various fundamental rights, including the right to engage in economic activities without undue restriction. This is expressed through the principle of the freedom of choice of occupation.

Freedom of choice of occupation allows individuals to select their employment freely, fostering a dynamic labor market and facilitating individual career aspirations. This principle further aligns with the rights to engage in trade and commerce, which are essential for the economic development and stability of Hong Kong.

The other options, while also important rights, do not pertain to the specific wording of the freedom highlighted in this context. The freedoms of the press, association, and travel are indeed protected under the Basic Law, but the chosen answer specifically addresses individual economic rights, which separate it from the other categories of freedoms that pertain to expression, social engagement, and mobility.