Speaking at a symposium on Wednesday, August 2, 2023, Hong Kong’s Chief Executive, John Lee disclosed that agreements had been signed on more than 10 projects aimed at boosting his city’s development.
The symposium, organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council and seven chambers of commerce, was centred on the theme, “unleashing the impetus for greater prosperity of Hong Kong.”
The city government and Beijing’s liaison office in Hong Kong acted as advisers for the event, which was held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.
Zheng Yanxiong, the Director of the central government’s liaison office was present at the event.
Lee divulged that the agreements cut across the Greater Bay Area (GBA) development, the Belt and Road Initiative, innovation and technology and the Northern Metropolis, a tech hub at the border with mainland China that was about to start its development phase.
Memorandums of understanding to build smart ports in the Greater Bay Area and an innovation collaboration between the University of Hong Kong and a Vietnamese tech company, are part of the said agreements.
“This is a good example of various sectors getting united to open a new chapter of prosperity for Hong Kong,” Lee said.
“I am confident that with the concerted effort of the whole society and the limitless support of the country … Hong Kong will be able to scale new heights and become more prosperous,” he asserted.
Lee made mention of the 33 agreements signed with Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia on a visit to the ASEAN countries last week and the 13 deals signed in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates earlier this year.
Some 16 “cooperation projects” spanning different sectors had been added since the visits, he said.
He announced that the city had solid economic and trade links with advanced economies that should continue to be cultivated.
Nevertheless, he admitted that other avenues should also be considered.
He stressed that his administration would work to fuel growth of the Hong Kong economy by promoting unity among the city’s social sectors to better align it with the nation’s development plans.
The Hong Kong Chief Executive added that his city was keen to join the world’s largest free-trade area, the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), made up of 15 Asia-Pacific countries, including the 10 ASEAN members.
Additionally, he revealed plans for more overseas visits to boost links with emerging economies and enable the financial hub to be a better bridge to mainland China
“My team and I will continue to lead delegations to visit overseas countries, with an open attitude to strengthening cooperation with more emerging economies in Asia and internationally, and expand Hong Kong’s important role as a bridge linking the mainland and international markets.”
John Lee
Hong Kong Should Get More Creative
On his part, Zheng Yanxiong, the director of the central government’s liaison office, stated at the symposium that Hong Kong should get more creative in its ways to attract international and domestic business.
Zheng emphasized that all sectors in the city should work to “expand international perspectives, break away from habitual thinking and actively seek change and innovation.”
Moreover, he urged businesses to join forces to make the best use of national development strategies for Hong Kong’s benefit.
“Do not ask for the origin of a hero. Whether they are Hong Kong, mainland or foreign-funded, whether they are business tycoons or grass roots, as long as everyone does not argue or fight internally, seeks common ground while reserving differences, and works together, there will be new consensus for development.”
Zheng Yanxiong
“And that will contribute to a mighty force to build a better Hong Kong,” Zheng iterated.
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