Hong Kong leaders stress aligning city’s strengths with country’s goals
Hong Kong’s political and business leaders have reiterated the city’s significant role amid the nation’s ambitious modernization drive, with its international standing, common law system, and other unique advantages under the “one country, two systems” framework.
After seminars on Sunday and Monday, leaders called for closer alignment of the special administrative region’s policies with the nation’s latest development goals, and urged accelerated reforms in key sectors in which the city has distinct strengths.
The seminars, attended by about 1,600 representatives from various sectors, featured two central government officials — Shen Chunyao, chairman of the Legislative Affairs Commission of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, and Commerce Minister Wang Wentao — who outlined the key takeaways from the third plenary session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China.
Hong Kong Chief Secretary for Administration Eric Chan Kwok-ki highlighted the city’s growing importance in China’s efforts to deepen reforms and promote modernization, noting the city’s role in both attracting foreign investment and expanding Chinese businesses globally.
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Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po emphasized the seminars’ importance in helping local sectors understand and implement the plenary session’s directives, aligning Hong Kong more closely with national development strategies, notably in innovation and technology.
Secretary for Justice Paul Lam Ting-kwok described the city’s common law system as a unique institutional advantage under “one country, two systems”. He stressed the need to leverage it to actively participate in the development of China’s external legal framework, suggesting that while fundamental systems like common law should remain unchanged, mechanisms should be enhanced to maximize their benefits.
Lawmaker Starry Lee Wai-king, a Hong Kong member of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, said the three seminars provided clear guidance for Hong Kong’s future development. She noted that China’s reform efforts focus not only on economic growth but also on improving governance and adapting to global and digital trends.
She called on all sectors to tailor their policies to the spirit of the plenum, ensuring the effective implementation of reform measures in Hong Kong.
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Addressing demographic challenges, Tan Yueheng, a lawmaker and a Hong Kong member of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, highlighted the need for Hong Kong to address its aging population by adapting elderly care, social welfare and economic policies to create an elderly friendly society and boost the silver economy.
Hendrick Sin, a Hong Kong deputy to the National People’s Congress, suggested that Hong Kong, acting as a crucial link between domestic and international spheres, should lead in technological innovation. He called for the creation of an innovative ecosystem, attracting top global research professionals and forward-thinking enterprises to make substantial contributions to the nation.
Wingco Lo Kam-wing, president of the Chinese Manufacturers’ Association of Hong Kong, said the insights shared at the seminar have encouraged the business sector to expedite the adoption of various reform measures. He said his association will support the business community in enhancing technological advancement, and playing a more significant role in the high-quality growth of both the city and the nation.
