National People's Congress Standing Committee Chairman Zhang Dejiang says Hong Kong, with its unique advantages, can make important contribution to the Belt and Road initiatives.
Speaking at the inaugural Belt and Road Summit today, Mr Zhang said Hong Kong sits on the busiest international sea route and boasts developed port economy, and is an important gateway in China’s opening-up.
Located next to Guangdong, Hong Kong is a transport and international communication hub, having easy, efficient and low cost land access to the Mainland and has the world’s busiest international airport.
Hong Kong borders on the Pearl River Delta, one of China’s three economic growth poles and the pioneer of the country’s institutional and structure reform and innovation-driven development.
Hong Kong is next to Shenzhen, a centre for innovation and entrepreneurship, and can join forces with the Guangdong Pilot Free Trade Zone, the Qianhai Shenzhen-Hong Kong cooperation zone and Fujian, a core area for the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road.
Hong Kong’s strength in services can complement its neighbouring provinces’ strength in manufacturing, and have great potential in exploring international markets.
Mr Zhang also said Hong Kong and the Mainland have developed all-round, wide-ranging and high-level exchange and cooperation.
Many Mainland opening-up policies were first experimented and practiced in Hong Kong, bringing experience for the Mainland while offering rare opportunities for Hong Kong. It can offer a good foundation for Hong Kong to seize new opportunities arising from the Belt and Road Initiative and achieve new progress.
