The visit by Zhang Dejiang, chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, to Hong Kong last week was a momentous occasion. He offered considerable advice on the city's economic and social development. Zhang delivered a keynote speech at the Belt and Road Summit, in which he outlined Hong Kong's specific strengths. Prior to his speech, many local residents did not fully understand the Belt and Road Initiative and did not know what it had to do with Hong Kong. This long-term strategic initiative has been widely publicized on the mainland, but many Hong Kong residents first heard of it only at the 2016 Policy Address delivered by the Chief Executive earlier this year. As expected, many did not grasp its significance right away. Some opposition parties and netizens even protested against the initiative during Zhang's trip.

Actually, many seminars and forums had been organized by professional groups of various disciplines to promote and study the initiative. But Zhang's speech was given widespread publicity. It was covered by all the television channels and newspapers. Moreover, he used terms and language even laymen could easily understand. Two points in his speech especially stand out: Hong Kong's world-class financial and professional services could greatly contribute to and benefit from the initiative. With the establishment of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank and the huge demand for infrastructural projects in the region, clearly there will be a great need for the financial services sector to help raise funds. Hong Kong's first-rate professional services were also mentioned, with a specific example - buildings supervised by Hong Kong's professionals were much more resilient than others during the deadly earthquake in Nepal. It is obvious that there will be plenty of opportunities in countries along the Belt and Road for years to come. Young people with suitable education and training as well as a positive mindset are best positioned to take advantage of these opportunities. The government should also facilitate and assist local professionals and companies in this regard.

Another highlight of Zhang's visit was his meeting with Executive Council members and some Legislative Council members, including four opposition lawmakers. It was the first time opposition legislators met face to face with a State leader since the 1997 handover. This historic meeting showed the central government greatly values the importance of dialogue with all sectors of the community. According to press reports, Zhang patiently listened to their views on various issues. The sincerity and positive gestures from Zhang were applauded - including from opposition legislators he met. It is to be hoped that the communication channel will remain open in the future.

The so-called "self-determination" and "independence" notions were clearly rebutted by Zhang. He cited himself as an example, saying that he also misses his native hometown in the northeast of China. As I have mentioned previously in this column, it is only natural that people are proud of their hometown and its unique local culture. However, the people of Hong Kong should be wary of political ploys that use the "localist" narrative to disguise schemes for "self-determination" and "independence". After all, the "One Country, Two Systems" political framework is the best arrangement for Hong Kong. Any attempt to undermine it goes against the interests of the SAR.

Hong Kong is without a doubt at a crucial juncture. On the one hand, the Belt and Road Initiative provides us with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. This long-term strategy will surely provide another much needed boost to our economy and offer young people more opportunities to unleash their potential. On the other hand, the misguided path of so-called "self-determination" and "independence" will definitely lead us into an abyss. The choice is not hard to make.

We have already wasted lots of time and resources on endless political debates, which have polarized our community. As a result, we have lagged behind some of our regional competitors in the development of a knowledge-based economy as well as in new technologies and innovations. We should take Zhang's visit as an opportunity to unite and reaffirm our commitment to focus on developing our economy to improve people's livelihoods.

(HK Edition 05/26/2016 page12)