HK firms are key to growth, leader says

Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu on Tuesday said that central government official Xia Baolong's meeting with local businesspeople has given new direction for the city's future growth, pledging to unite all sectors to build a better Hong Kong.

Xia, director of the Hong Kong and Macao Work Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, met with Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government officials and business leaders from the city in Shenzhen, Guangdong province, last Friday, calling for more concrete actions from the business sector to boost the city's growth.

Lee said Xia remains confident about the business community's pivotal role in driving development, the government's capabilities in executing policies and the unity of various sectors in the SAR.

Xia pointed out it's necessary for Hong Kong to beef up its traditional strengths, explore new industries and models and deeply integrate into national development to boost growth. He also expressed support for the HKSAR government in implementing long-term plans and exploring new development possibilities, while urging the city's businesses to adhere to their social responsibilities and contribute to improving people's well-being.

Xia encouraged Hong Kong to better tell its good stories to audiences overseas and maintain its international image.

Lee agreed with Xia that the business sector and entrepreneurs in particular have sufficient capability, experience and networks to be the main driving force for economic development.

The chief executive urged other sectors in society to actively collaborate with the business sector and contribute to Hong Kong's development with concrete action.

Lee noted that his latest Policy Address — the annual speech given by Hong Kong's chief executive laying out his or her plans for the year — outlined the development blueprint and directions for the city and called for active participation from diverse sectors, with the business community and entrepreneurs playing leading roles.

He reiterated that business people are not bystanders and commentators of the city's future, calling on them to make greater contributions through proactive action.

Lee elaborated that when the business sector engages in government projects, investors can participate in various initiatives based on actual needs.

He believes that the Northern Metropolis project offers long-term development prospects spanning 15 to 20 years, providing ample space for business community members to get involved.

Lee added that the Development Blueprint for Hong Kong's Tourism Industry 2.0 will be unveiled soon and will include comprehensive and diverse planning initiatives. He encouraged active participation from the business sector to collectively expand the tourism ecosystem and enhance its appeal.

Tam Yiu-chung, a former Hong Kong delegate to the National People's Congress Standing Committee, said he believes Xia aims to encourage various Hong Kong sectors, including the government and the business sector, to collaborate in solving issues. He suggested on a local radio program that the government should enhance efficiency in processes such as granting permits, as well as strengthen communications with the business sector to boost their confidence.

Tam said the city should bolster high-end services such as insurance, financing and maritime law to boost marine development, as well as explore more new routes to consolidate its position as an aviation hub.

In a separate radio program, Wingco Lo Kam-wing, president of the Chinese Manufacturers' Association of Hong Kong who attended the meeting with Xia, noted Xia's recognition of Hong Kong's logistics sector as a key strength.

The CMA president remarked that Hong Kong's ports should collaborate with counterparts in other cities within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area to form a port cluster, fostering the growth of maritime and logistics industries.

Lee departed for Peru in the early hours of Wednesday to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Economic Leaders' Meeting and other related activities in Lima, where he will meet with local business leaders and comprehensively promote Hong Kong's advantages.