The Strategic Development Commission's Executive Committee will discuss Hong Kong's positioning in the international community and external affairs on April 6.

Speaking at a press briefing this afternoon, Central Policy Unit Head Professor Lau Siu-kai said the discussion aims to explore ways to enhance Hong Kong's economic development so as to strengthen its role as an international financial centre.

Noting the Basic Law had provided a constitutional basis for Hong Kong to handle its external affairs, Professor Lau said Hong Kong had been given a big advantage over other cities.

However, the city must strengthen its role to avoid being challenged or replaced by its neighbours.

Professor Lau said a recent study revealed that Western countries had been losing interest in Hong Kong since the handover in 1997, adding there was an urgent need to nurture talent with an international outlook.

Major challenges

A discussion paper issued by the committee said Hong Kong would face some challenges in the course of enhancing its international status and strengthening its role in external affairs. They include:

* Hong Kong's openness has made it vulnerable to non-traditional security threats;

* With its position between East and West, Hong Kong may be dragged into international disputes;

* As an international city, Hong Kong still lags behind other places in areas such as promoting and showcasing local cultural characteristics, leading consumption trends, drive for creativity, and development of arts and cultural activities.

The paper raised the following issues for discussion:

* What strategy should Hong Kong adopt in the political and cultural realms to maintain and enhance its international image?

* How should Hong Kong make use of its strengths to further promote institutional improvement at the global or regional level to combat non-traditional security treats?

* How could the Government step up co-operation with voluntary agencies and non-governmental organisations in areas such as international rescue, fund-raising for disaster relief, cultural exchanges and student exchanges?

* How should the Government co-operate with tertiary institutes in nurturing talent with a regional and international outlook?

* What should Hong Kong do to raise the community's awareness of international issues, deepen understanding of the Asia-Pacific region, and foster in society the qualities required of citizens of Asia's world city?

Air pollution a major obstacle

Professor Lau said it was important to attract talent to stay in Hong Kong and there were a number of ways of doing so. They include improving the quality of life, safeguarding citizens' freedoms and enhancing educational facilities.

Noting air pollution was a major obstacle to Hong Kong's continuous development as an international city, Mr Lau said the Government was working closely with the Guangdong authorities to tackle the issue.