Mainland door opens wider for youths

Hong Kong youths will have more internships and exchange opportunities in the mainland to better integrate into national development, a Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference delegate from Hong Kong said as the political advisory body's annual meeting ended yesterday.

This comes as CPPCC chairman Wang Huning urged delegates to perform their duty in promoting China's modernization as more than 2,000 members unanimously passed his first work report.

"We should focus on major [national development] tasks to promote modernization of the country with high-quality suggestions," Wang said.

"The CPPCC should promote the great unity of the Chinese nation and tell a good Chinese story."

Some Hong Kong delegates chanted "victorious conclusion" outside the Great Hall of the People.

A delegate, Emperor Group vice chairman Alex Yeung Ching-loong, said the first Hong Kong-related matter mentioned by Wang in his report is to "integrate HK youngsters into national development, as well as measures benefiting their development." Yeung said more than 200,000 local youths participated in exchange tours to the mainland last year and the exchange will be enhanced to bring others to more mainland provinces.

Another delegate, businessman Tam Kam-kau, said: "In the new era, national development has offered another golden opportunity for Hong Kong youths and I hope they seize it.

"The central government has launched various measures benefiting HK youths in recent years, showing its care and love. Chance favors the prepared and courageous minds, I hope more HK youngsters can actively participate in national development."

CPPCC member Wingco Lo Kam-wing said this year's meeting was smooth and efficient, with four group discussions to allow delegates to express their opinions on various aspects, including the economy, ecology and social development.

Lo, president of the Chinese Manufacturers' Association, added he would assist his members in improving the business environment in both the mainland and Hong Kong this year.

Actor Donnie Yen Ji-dan said there is no need to distinguish between Hong Kong and mainland movies. "We are all filmmakers and our works are all Chinese movies."

Hong Kong's sole deputy to the National People's Congress Standing Committee Starry Lee Wai-king said the Ministry of Finance has offered some "technical opinions" on deputies' proposal to raise the duty-free allowance to 30,000 yuan for mainland visitors.

Deputies will discuss these with the government and think tanks, she said.

wallis.wang@singtaonewscorp.com