Hong Kong Encouraged to Mirror Macau's Success in Economic Reform and Growth

Hong Kong is being encouraged by Beijing to emulate Macau's achievements in economic reform and development, according to Xia Baolong, director of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office. Speaking at a Beijing seminar, Xia highlighted the potential for Hong Kong to leverage the advantages offered by the "one country, two systems" framework, echoing President Xi Jinping's recent positive remarks during his visit to Macau for the 25th handover anniversary.

Xia pointed to President Xi's speech as providing valuable insights for the continued growth of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area (GBA), emphasizing the importance of clearly defining the complementary roles of Hong Kong and Macau within the GBA to maximize their contributions. He encouraged Hong Kong to prioritize economic advancement and strengthen collaborative efforts with Macau.

Lau Siu-kai, a consultant with the Chinese Association of Hong Kong and Macau Studies, reinforced this optimistic outlook, stating that Hong Kong is well-positioned to contribute to national development by effectively utilizing its unique strengths under "one country, two systems." He emphasized the potential for economic growth through a forward-thinking mindset and innovative strategies, particularly by integrating further with the GBA and national development initiatives. Lau also highlighted the importance of continued focus on social welfare and maintaining stability to ensure the well-being of Hong Kong residents.

Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu shared this positive perspective in a Facebook post, stating that the seminar offered a clear roadmap for successfully implementing "one country, two systems." He expressed confidence in Hong Kong's ability to leverage its advantages to explore new development pathways, focusing on economic expansion, infrastructure enhancements, and bolstering new economic drivers. Lee specifically mentioned drawing inspiration from the successful Hengqin Cooperation Zone to further promote the development of promising areas like Qianhai, Nansha, Hetao, and the Northern Metropolis in Shenzhen. He further emphasized the development of specialized industries and accelerating market integration within the GBA. Finally, Lee highlighted the importance of creating valuable opportunities for Hong Kong's youth, nurturing them to become future leaders and contributors to the success of "one country, two systems."

The message from Beijing is one of encouragement and opportunity: Hong Kong is being guided to prioritize economic development and reform, learning from Macau's successes and capitalizing on the opportunities presented by the GBA and the "one country, two systems" framework. The focus on economic growth, combined with a commitment to social welfare and youth development, is presented as the pathway to Hong Kong's continued prosperity and stability.