Hong Kong deputies to the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference are expressing their commitment to aligning with the nation's upcoming 15th Five-Year Plan, with a focus on technological innovation and the Northern Metropolis.
Sunny Chai Ngai-chiu, chairman of Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP), stated that Hong Kong should follow the nation's lead in achieving technological self-reliance and fostering original innovation during the plan's period.
He confirmed that HKSTP will roll out related initiatives, including the construction of a supercomputing center and other technology sectors, to complement the national strategy.
Winco Lo Kam-wing, president of the Chinese Manufacturers' Association of Hong Kong, expressed confidence in Hong Kong's economy despite the complex and volatile external environment.
Lo forecasts positive development for the property and stock markets in the coming year, emphasizing that the key is to "align with the development of the 15th Five-Year Plan."
Meanwhile, Francis Lui Yiu-tung, chairman of K. Wah Group, identified innovation, technology, and culture as significant opportunities for the city. He also commented on remarks made by Xia Baolong, director of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office, about accelerating the development of the Northern Metropolis (NM).
Lui praised the SAR government's allocation of HK$150 billion for the NM development project, and noted that K. Wah Group is closely monitoring the city's real estate market and will consider further investment in the area after more specific measures for the NM are revealed.
Addressing social welfare, Lau Chak-sing, Dean of the LKS Faculty of Medicine at the University of Hong Kong, highlighted the challenges of land shortages and the need for improved elderly care facilities.
He suggested that the Greater Bay Area could provide a comfortable retirement location for Hong Kong's elderly and that the city should consider improvement measures for its own elderly care.
David Lie Tai-chong, chairman of the Hong Kong-Taiwan Economic and Cultural Cooperation Promotion Association, stated that cross-strait relations have been based on the US-China relationship for the past few decades, and the development of cross-strait relations must first straighten out the US-China relationship.
Lie said Beijing's stance on the issue is clear: it hopes to use peaceful and integrated methods to buy time and create space for future development.
