Zheng Yanxiong: HK, despite trials and tribulations, remains shining Pearl of the Orient
On November 25, a delegation from the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government, led by Chief Executive Mr. John Lee, arrived in Guangzhou to commence a three-day visit to key Mainland cities in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA). The visit aims to enhance collaboration between Hong Kong, Guangdong Province, and other GBA cities in business, trade, and various industries, reflecting Hong Kong's commitment to deepening its integration into the national development strategy.
As part of the visit, the delegation took part in the Guangdong-Hong Kong Deepening Economic, Trade, and Investment Cooperation Conference, co-organized by the Guangdong Provincial Government and the HKSAR Government. The event, held on the first day of the visit, brought together prominent officials and business leaders from both sides to exchange views on fostering closer economic ties and promoting high-quality development in the region. Key speeches were delivered by the Secretary of the CPC Guangdong Provincial Committee, Mr. Huang Kunming; Chief Executive, Mr. John Lee; and the Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the HKSAR, Mr. Zheng Yanxiong.
During his address, Mr. Zheng Yanxiong underscored the central government's unwavering commitment to developing the GBA, describing it as a strategic initiative to foster high-quality collaboration between Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao. He highlighted that under the leadership of President Xi Jinping and the Party Central Committee, Hong Kong has undergone remarkable political, social, and economic transformations. These changes have ushered Hong Kong into a new era of development characterized by significant opportunities and a renewed sense of purpose. Mr. Zheng described HK's unique role under the "One Country, Two Systems" framework, which continues to offer unparalleled opportunities for growth and integration.
Mr. Zheng also outlined three critical roles for Hong Kong and Guangdong as they work together to advance the GBA's development. First, he called for Hong Kong and Guangdong to serve as promoters of two-way opening-up, building on the successful "front shop, back factory" cooperation model while creating an upgraded version of this collaboration. He stressed the importance of leveraging the GBA's international platforms, innovation hubs, and its role as a manufacturing powerhouse to attract high-end global resources and expand into international markets. The region can better support China's higher-level opening to the world by doing so.
Second, Mr. Zheng emphasized the need for Hong Kong and Guangdong to act as leaders in technological innovation. He noted the GBA's strong foundation in innovation and industrial chains, which positions it well to accelerate growth in emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, life sciences, low-altitude economy, and green development. He encouraged both regions to seize these opportunities by cultivating new industries aligning with global trends while tailoring development strategies to their strengths.
Finally, Mr. Zheng highlighted the importance of being stewards of cultural integration. He pointed out the shared cultural and linguistic ties between Hong Kong and Guangdong, which provide a strong foundation for deeper cooperation. He urged both sides to actively promote the "Greater Bay Area story" on international platforms, showcasing the region's advantages and opportunities within the broader context of China's modernization. This narrative, he said, would attract more international investors to the GBA and contribute to China's economic success.
Mr. Zheng further affirmed that the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the HKSAR will continue to play a vital role in supporting Hong Kong's integration into the national development framework. He pledged to implement President Xi Jinping's directives and central government policies to assist Hong Kong and Guangdong build a world-class bay area. Acting as a "super-connector" and "super service provider," the Liaison Office will work to inject momentum into regional development and contribute to China's modernization efforts.
The delegation's visit underscores the growing importance of the Greater Bay Area as a key driver of economic development and innovation in China. By strengthening ties with Guangdong and other GBA cities, Hong Kong positions itself to play an even greater role in the region's future, leveraging its unique advantages under "One Country, Two Systems" to attract global talent, investments, and opportunities.
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