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Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang described Hong Kong and Macau as “diamonds” and highlighted their unique status as he met with members of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) from the two SARs on Thursday.
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Xia Baolong, the director of the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office, along with CPPCC vice chairmen Leung Chun-ying and Edmund Ho Hau-wah, attended the meeting, which was held during the “Two Sessions” in Beijing.
Edmund Ho, who hosted the meeting, said Ding’s attendance demonstrated how Beijing values the “one country, two systems” principle and cares about the Hong Kong and Macau delegates.
Ding, who leads Beijing’s top body for Hong Kong and Macau affairs, listened as delegates shared their perspectives on how the two SARs could make an expedited integration into China’s overall development.
CPPCC delegate Yiu Chi-shing suggested that Hong Kong should aim to surpass London as the world's second-ranking international financial center, better aligning itself to China’s status as the world’s second-largest economy.
Yiu proposed developing a reform roadmap to ensure the city adheres to the highest global standards for financial hubs.
Ding replied: “Hong Kong holds a unique status, enjoying strong support of the Motherland and being closely connected to the world,” as he agreed with Yiu’s suggestions to boost production service industries.
The meeting lasted around one and a half hours.
Speaking after the meeting, CPPCC member Peter Douglas Koon Ho-ming quoted Ding as calling Hong Kong and Macau “diamonds”, shining as they fulfill their role as “super-connectors” bridging the mainland and the world.
“As well as calling us a pearl on the palm, he says we are a diamond,” Koon said, adding: “I interpret the analogy as Vice Premier Ding hoping Hong Kong emanates radiance in both the East and the West.”
Ding also told delegates to respond firmly to challenges and not to retreat, despite the many external attempts to suppress China, according to Koon.
CPPCC standing committee member Ko Wing-man said Ding cautioned Hong Kong about the impact of geopolitics, saying while the city focuses on economic development, it should still remain vigilant about national security risks.
“The situation seems stable now, but does it mean we can let our guard down? The answer is no. There are still many internal and external forces hoping to undermine our national security and interfere with our 'one country, two systems' principle,” Ko said.
Another CPPCC member Lo Wing-hung said Ding had “three hopes” for them: lead the efforts in promoting and implementing the “Two Sessions” spirit, support the Chief Executive and the SAR government, and unite Hong Kong and Macau to join forces in development.
The state leader called on the business and industrial sectors to invest early and for the long-term into the field of innovation and technology, Lo said.
Businesswoman and CPPCC standing committee member Pansy Ho Chiu-king said Ding gave high praise to Hong Kong in improving its economy and people’s livelihoods.
Meanwhile, Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu shared his inspirations from the latest Chinese government work report, which for the first time called on Hong Kong and Macau to “deepen international exchanges and cooperation.”
In a Facebook post, Lee listed out his previous efforts in strengthening global connections, such as his foreign visits to the Middle East and countries in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations that saw the signing of hundreds of agreements.
“As we face internal and external changes, we will consolidate trade ties with traditional markets in the United States and Europe, while exploring trade opportunities with the Middle East, Southeast Asia and Central Asia”, Lee wrote.
The chief executive reiterated his pledge to pursue membership in the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), a free-trade agreement among 15 countries in the Asia Pacific region.
(Jamie Liu)
