June 8, 2023
HONG KONG – The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region — a pivotal gateway for the Belt and Road initiative — will make the most of its compelling advantages to promote cooperation and drive the world’s high-quality development, a forum marking the 10th anniversary of the BRI’s launch heard on Wednesday.
At the forum on the BRI’s achievements and prospects, organized by Bauhinia Culture, Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said since the nation charted the initiative’s vision a decade ago, more than 150 countries and over 30 global organizations have signed agreements with China under the drive.
The accords account for about 40 percent of the world’s gross domestic product, and 45 percent of merchandise trade, facilitating cooperation with numerous regional and country-based development strategies, including Indonesia’s Global Maritime Fulcrum, Saudi Vision 2030 and the African Union Agenda 2063. Trade has since expanded tremendously under the BRI.
Liu Guangyuan, commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in the HKSAR, said Hong Kong is in a crucial phase of new development. By taking part in the BRI, the city can contribute to the nation’s establishment of a new development paradigm and propel high-standard opening-up
Lee believes that, with the central government’s unwavering support, Hong Kong can leverage its many advantages and continue to do what it does best –connecting the world and promoting high-quality development for the country and the globe.
With the pandemic easing and the world gradually returning to normal, the BRI’s future development holds brighter hope, which is also good news for the SAR. Lee said his administration will continue to uphold the promise of adopting a results-oriented approach.
He invited those who aim to capitalize on the BRI’s opportunities, to attend the eighth Belt and Road Summit to be held in Hong Kong on Sept 13 and 14 this year.
Liu Guangyuan, commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in the HKSAR, said Hong Kong is in a crucial phase of new development. By taking part in the BRI, the city can contribute to the nation’s establishment of a new development paradigm and propel high-standard opening-up.
Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu speaks at the opening of The Bauhinia Culture Forum : Decade of Achievements and Prospects of High Quality Development forum at the Hyatt Hong Kong in Wan Chai on June 7, 2023. (CALVIN NG / CHINA DAILY)
He said the SAR can deepen its integration into national development to achieve greater progress for itself.
Liu hopes that various industries can take advantage of Hong Kong’s development trend, and strengthen its professional strengths in the legal, shipping, accounting, finance and consultancy fields. This would solidify the foundation for Hong Kong to promote BRI cooperation.
He also emphasized the importance of making the most of the city’s unique position as an East-meets-West hub to promote cultural exchanges and mutual learning. By so doing, the SAR can be a successful example of BRI cooperation.
Liu Guangyuan, Commissioner of Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of People’s Republic of China in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, speaks at the opening of The Bauhinia Culture Forum : Decade of Achievements and Prospects of High Quality Development forum at the Hyatt Hong Kong in Wan Chai on June 7, 2023. (CALVIN NG / CHINA DAILY)
Wen Hongwu, general manager of Bauhinia Culture Holdings, said the SAR government is fully utilizing the city’s platform role in BRI cooperation. Many Hong Kong entrepreneurs and specialized service providers are proactively expanding their businesses and exploring opportunities in countries involved in the initiative, he said.
Wen said Hong Kong, with the nation’s support, has achieved remarkable success in international project investment and financing, offshore RMB business and specialized services, as well as economic and trade exchanges and cooperation.