In a bid to fortify ties and foster mutual growth, the Chinese mainland and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) are poised to deepen their cooperation across various sectors. Against a backdrop of recovering economies and burgeoning opportunities, stakeholders are keen to leverage Hong Kong’s pivotal position as a “super connector” to propel integration within the Greater Bay Area (GBA) and stimulate innovation-driven development. This strategic alliance, underpinned by the principles of “One Country, Two Systems”, holds the promise of unlocking new avenues for economic advancement and societal progress.
Kingsley Wong Kwok, a distinguished member of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference and the Hong Kong Legislative Council, articulates an optimistic outlook for the collaborative prospects between the mainland and HKSAR. With the HKSAR economy witnessing a steady resurgence and anticipated growth in the upcoming year, Wong underscores the pivotal role of the GBA integration in amplifying economic synergies. As the mainland’s GDP is projected to maintain a robust growth trajectory of approximately 5 percent in 2024, Hong Kong stands poised to benefit from this momentum, riding on the coattails of emerging sectors and technological innovations.
Wong’s advocacy for bolstering cooperation extends beyond conventional economic domains to embrace nascent industries, such as electric vehicles, renewable energy, and aerospace manufacturing. He underscores the transformative potential of these sectors in driving sustainable growth and fostering cross-border partnerships. By fostering an ecosystem conducive to innovation and entrepreneurship, both the mainland and HKSAR can harness their respective strengths to chart a course towards shared prosperity.
Central to Hong Kong’s appeal as an international hub is its unparalleled allure for global talent and capital. Wong highlights the success of the leading talent admission program, which has attracted a substantial influx of foreign talent seeking to contribute to the region’s dynamic economy. Leveraging its strategic positioning as a gateway to the mainland, Hong Kong beckons multinational corporations and investors to establish a foothold, leveraging its robust regulatory framework and business-friendly environment.
The integration of the GBA, as outlined in the development plan unveiled by Chinese authorities, heralds a new chapter in regional cooperation and economic integration. Wong emphasizes the strides made in advancing this agenda and envisages further momentum in the integration process. To facilitate seamless connectivity and foster greater people-to-people exchanges, Wong proposes expanding the scope of HKSAR re-entry permits, encompassing key areas such as banking, transportation, and entertainment. This strategic initiative not only enhances mobility but also nurtures a sense of shared identity and belonging among Hong Kong residents.
Against the backdrop of evolving geopolitical dynamics and heightened security concerns, Wong underscores the imperative of safeguarding national security as a cornerstone of Hong Kong’s social and economic development. As a member of the Hong Kong Legislative Council, he affirms the council’s commitment to advancing legislation pertaining to Article 23 of the Basic Law of the HKSAR. This legislative endeavor, aimed at fortifying the legal framework and upholding the rule of law, underscores Hong Kong’s unwavering commitment to preserving stability and fostering sustainable development.
The deepening cooperation between the Chinese mainland and HKSAR heralds a new era of shared prosperity and mutual benefit. By leveraging Hong Kong’s unique position as a bridge between the mainland and the world, stakeholders stand poised to unlock new opportunities and propel inclusive growth across the region. Through sustained collaboration and strategic foresight, the mainland-Hong Kong partnership holds the promise of charting a course towards a more prosperous and harmonious future.
