NPC delegates from HK, Macao to offer input touting regions’ unique strengths

Deputies from the Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions to the National People’s Congress on Friday said they will further leverage the regions’ unique strengths to contribute to the nation’s broader development goals.

They made the remarks during open group sessions on Friday afternoon, following Premier Li Qiang’s delivery of the Government Work Report earlier this week.

Kenneth Fok Kai-kong, a Hong Kong deputy to the NPC, said he is encouraged and feels confident in the country’s and Hong Kong’s future development after hearing the report, and noted the report’s proposal of promoting cultural advancement.

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Fok, also a Hong Kong lawmaker representing the sports, arts, and culture sectors, said that Hong Kong can play a greater role in advancing the cultural industries in the upcoming 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30). For example, the city can help Chinese mainland cultural businesses promote Chinese culture overseas, he said.

In the realm of sports, Fok suggested Hong Kong develop its own sports-brand intellectual property, cultivate international talent, and align the city’s sports industry with global standards.

Nancy Ip Yuk-yu, a Hong Kong deputy and president of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, said that Hong Kong’s universities can play a critical role in driving innovation, especially given the Government Work Report’s emphasis on using artificial intelligence to empower industries and vitalize society.

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Ip said Hong Kong’s universities are highly internationalized and closely connected to the global academic community, positioning them to attract top global talent. By leveraging these strengths, Hong Kong can serve as a hub for gathering the world’s leading experts who can contribute to the nation’s greater openness and high-level international collaboration, she added.

Priscilla Leung Mei-fun, a Hong Kong NPC deputy and a barrister, highlighted Hong Kong’s advantage as the world’s only common law jurisdiction where both Chinese and English serve as official languages.

The position allows the city to train professionals specialized in resolving cross-border disputes, which serves the national needs, Leung added. 

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Iris Wong Ping-fan, another Hong Kong deputy, said that this year’s report reaffirms the strategic importance of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. She said the region should introduce more initiatives for deeper integration.

From Macao’s delegation, NPC Deputy Vong Hin-fai said that Macao needs to take stronger measures to reinforce its national security framework amid increasing complex internal and external challenges.

He said the city must continue improving its legal system and refine interdepartmental coordination to better safeguard national security, while strengthening national-security education to raise awareness across all segments of society.

Macao Deputy Si Ka-lon said that leisure tourism remains a pillar of Macao’s economy, and Macao could harness AI technology to drive the development of the sector.

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Additionally, Si proposed that Macao expand the capabilities of the Complex of Commerce and Trade Cooperation Platform between China and Portuguese-speaking Countries to deepen bidirectional openness.

He also advocated promoting diversified economic growth by enhancing the cultural industry, including fostering enterprises in key areas such as film and television production, fashion design, and entertainment.

Si said Macao should leverage the advantages of the Hengqin New Area to contribute to its development. For instance, Macao could collaborate with Hengqin to expand its tourism offerings, extending Macao’s renowned events, brands, activities, products, and services into the region.

Contact the writers at oasishu@chinadailyhk.com