Xia inspects Shenzhen-HK tech zone and takes briefings on SAR economy

Beijing’s top man on Hong Kong affairs Xia Baolong inspected the Shenzhen-Hong Kong technology zone yesterday and received a briefing on the SAR’s work plans on the economy and financial services, the government said on Monday evening.

A government statement said Xia, director of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office, visited the Hong Kong Park of the tech zone on Sunday afternoon, accompanied by the Acting Chief Executive Eric Chan Kwok-ki and Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po.

Xia listened to presentations by Secretary for Development Bernadette Linn Hon-ho, on the development overview of the Northern Metropolis, and by Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry Sun Dong on the latest progress and work focus for the park.

Xia later hosted a discussion session of nearly four hours, in which the finance chief introduced the SAR government’s work and focus in 2025 on advancing the economy. 

During the meeting, Xia recognised the work of the Hong Kong SAR government, expressing his hope that the SAR will continue to be bold in reform and that there would be more reciprocal cooperation within the Greater Bay Area.

In response, the financial chief vowed that, in face of a complex external environment, Hong Kong will coordinate development and security, maintain financial and economic security, whilst promoting the acceleration of economic progress. 

Chan said Hong Kong will harness platforms such as the Hetao tech zone and strengthen collaboration with sister cities in the Greater Bay Area, 

Seven other officials also attended the meeting, including Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Erick Tsang Kwok-wai, Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury Christopher Hui Ching-yu.

(Jamie Liu)