| James Kon in Hong Kong |
THE inaugural Belt and Road Summit that brought together 2,000 participants from around the world, including Brunei Economic Development Board (BEDB) which took part in an exhibition at the global investment area, kicked off yesterday with the hope of realising the opportunities of huge investment and trade opportunities under the ambitious initiative of Hong Kong.
The Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, Zhang Dejiang along with CY Leung, the Chief Executive of Hong Kong, officiated the summit.
The summit which is held in the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre has attracted the participation of political leaders, policymakers, representatives from international organisations, business leaders and experts in related trades from all over the world.
The participants will discuss the new opportunities presented by the Belt and Road Initiative in various areas, including finance, logistics and maritime transport, professional services, cross-border investment, infrastructure development and international trade, as well as the unique role that Hong Kong could play.
Addressing the opening session of the summit, the Chief Executive, C Y Leung, said the Belt and Road Initiative offers unprecedented opportunities to all territories, including Hong Kong.
Zhang Dejiang, the Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, delivering his keynote speech. – JAMES KON
With the combined advantages of ‘one country’ and ‘two systems’, Hong Kong can serve as a “super-connector” between mainland China and the rest of the world.
In areas such as finance, investment, professional services, trade, logistics, culture, creativity, innovation and technology, Hong Kong’s unique ‘super-connector’ role can bring together the strengths of Belt and Road economies.
The National 13th Five-Year Plan of China clearly supports Hong Kong and Macau leveraging their unique advantages to enhance the roles and functions in the country’s economic development and opening up to other countries, including the Belt and Road Initiative.
He added that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government is setting up a dedicated Belt and Road office to push forward related work plans.
The HKSAR Government will work closely with the Central Authorities of China and Belt and Road partners to ensure effective co-ordination of policies and measures, to identify areas of collaboration and to facilitate timely exchange of information for the common good.
The summit was organised by the HKSAR Government, with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the National Development and Reform Commission and the Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China, as well as the People’s Bank of China, as supporting bodies.
The one-day programme of the summit features a keynote speech, a keynote luncheon, a series of panel sessions and concurrent investment and business matching workshops on topics relating to logistics and transport infrastructure, urban planning and rural development, public utilities and energy, telecommunications, and international trade and manufacturing.
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