Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu speaks at the 4th Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area development forum and prize presentation ceremony in Wan Chai, Hong Kong, on Nov 24, 2023. (PROVIDED TO CHINA DAILY)

Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu on Friday vowed to work in concert with other cities in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) to turn it into one of the most vibrant and competitive regions in the world.

Hong Kong, as one of the central cities of the area, will contribute to the country’s needs with its strengths,  together with other neighboring cities, to make the GBA a shining example for high-quality development, Lee said in his speech at the 4th Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area development forum and prize presentation ceremony.

At the event outstanding enterprises, organizations and individuals from Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao received awards for their contribution to the development of the GBA.

The participants also witnessed the establishment of a Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area development alliance, which aims to bring together enterprises, organizations, social groups, business leaders and academics to jointly build a high-level economic cooperation platform to promote the GBA and regional development.

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Lee told the forum that in his second Policy Address, he proposed a number of key initiatives to comprehensively enhance high-level cooperation among cities in the GBA, including the development of the Northern Metropolis, a new town near the boundary with Shenzhen.

The CE believes the plan will extend cooperation between Hong Kong, Shenzhen and other GBA cities and achieve a win-win for all

Calling the plan a dynamic new vision for the city, Lee revealed that the new town will center on four areas, namely a high-end professional service and logistics hub, a new space for innovation and technology, a boundary commerce and industry zone, and a green recreation, tourism and conservation circle. 

Lee said he believes the plan will extend cooperation between Hong Kong, Shenzhen and other GBA cities and achieve a win-win for all.

In addition, he welcomed the Three-Year Action Plan for the Construction of the Digital Bay Area published by the Guangdong government, saying that Hong Kong would proactively participate in and promote the action plan.

Recently, progress has been made in this regard. Residents and enterprises of the two places can complete more than 100 cross-boundary administrative pubic services online, covering care services, tax returns, application for vehicle licenses and other permits.

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Li Dahong, chairman and editor-in-chief of Hong Kong Ta Kung Wen Wei Media Group, speaks at the 4th Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area development forum and prize presentation ceremony in Wan Chai, Hong Kong, on Nov 24, 2023. (PROVIDED TO CHINA DAILY)

During the forum, Li Dahong, chairman and editor-in-chief of Hong Kong Ta Kung Wen Wei Media Group, said that science and technology innovation is the primary driving force for the high-quality development of the GBA, and GBA cities should strive to build a science and technology innovation center with global influence.

Li also believes that GBA should attract talents in various fields from all over the world. Besides, while working closely with each other, GBA cities should maintain a high level of openness to the outside world and act as a bridge between domestic and foreign markets.

Sun Yu, chairman of Chinese Banking Association of Hong Kong, speaks at the 4th Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area development forum and prize presentation ceremony in Wan Chai, Hong Kong, on Nov 24, 2023. (PROVIDED TO CHINA DAILY)

To optimize high-quality co-construction of GBA, Sun Yu, chairman of Chinese Banking Association of Hong Kong, believes that building unified standards within the area is fundamental.

A total of 110 such standards in 25 fields were announced, including in the fields of food quality and safety, Cantonese cuisine, transportation, mechanical and electrical products, as well as medical care, nursing care, education, and e-sports.

Secondly, GBA cities should work more closely with each other in areas such as intellectual property protection and facilitating customs clearance. He also called on GBA cities to join in the construction of the Belt and Road.

The forum was co-organized by Hong Kong Ta Kung Wen Wei Media Group, Hong Kong Federation of Guangdong Associations, Chinese Banking Association of Hong Kong, and Greater Bay Area Fintech Promotion Association. Representatives from the business and financial sectors also attended to discuss the construction of the GBA’s economic, cultural and social sectors.