The top Beijing official on Hong Kong affairs recently emphasized the importance of the local business community viewing the SAR as their home and leveraging the city’s traditional advantages. Xia Baolong, director of the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office (HKMAO), highlighted the pivotal role of business leaders in driving economic development during a closed-door exchange in Shenzhen.
According to a report by Xinhua New Agency, Xia urged business magnates and entrepreneurs to stand firm in their commitment to Hong Kong and utilize the city to prosper and enhance its traditional strengths. He praised the business community for their significant contributions to maintaining Hong Kong’s prosperity and stability while supporting the country’s modernization efforts.
Xia also called on participants to support the SAR government in implementing long-term development plans, promoting the positive narrative of Hong Kong, and safeguarding the city’s international image. Chief Executive John Lee echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the need for unity across all sectors to implement reforms and drive the city’s development forward.
During the exchange, discussions centered around the crucial role of entrepreneurs in Hong Kong’s economy. Sunwah Group chairman Jonathan Choi shared that Xia encouraged entrepreneurs to align with the central government’s strategy and make concerted efforts to support Hong Kong’s growth.
Pui Kwan-kay, president of the Hong Kong Chinese Importers’ and Exporters’ Association, highlighted Xia’s recognition of the city’s journey through challenges and emphasized the current stable environment as an opportunity to transition towards prosperity. The meeting was attended by prominent business leaders and property tycoons, including Richard Li, Peter Lee, and Raymond Kwok.
The full-day symposium and dinner were also joined by HKMAO executive deputy director Zhou Ji and Beijing’s liaison office head in Hong Kong, Zheng Yanxiong. Xia’s visit to Hong Kong in February and subsequent meetings with executives of Jardine Matheson and HSBC in Beijing underscored the continued focus on the city’s economic development.
Overall, the exchange emphasized the vital role of the business community in Hong Kong’s growth and stability, underlining the importance of viewing the SAR as home and collaborating with the government to capitalize on the city’s strengths for continued prosperity. Business leaders were encouraged to align their efforts with the national strategy and contribute to Hong Kong’s development in the long term.
