Six major Hong Kong property developers have been appointed members of China's top political advisory body, including New World Development executive vice chairman and chief executive Adrian Cheng Chi-kong, Sun Hung Kai executive director Adam Kwok Kai-fai and Wheelock chairman Douglas Woo Chun-kuen.
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Sino Group chairman Robert Ng Chee-siong, CK Hutchison Holdings chairman Victor Li Tzar-kuoi and Henderson chairman and managing director Peter Lee Ka-kit gained another tenure as members of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference.
Among them were 124 designated Hong Kong members - the same as the last tenure - including other property tycoons, pro-establishment heavyweights and ex-officials.
Sing Tao News Corporation chairman Karson Choi Ka-tsan was reappointed.
The list comes as the annual meetings of the CPPCC and the National People's Congress, known as the "two sessions," will be held on March 4 and 5 in Beijing respectively.
Pansy Ho Chiu-king, daughter of late "king of gambling" Stanley Ho Hung-sun and Shun Tak Holdings chairwoman, and former National People's Congress Standing Committee member Rita Fan Hsu Lai-tai's son Andrew Fan Chun-wah made it to the list for the first time.
Former chief executive Tung Chee-hwa, 85, will step down as member and vice chairman, while another former SAR leader and CPPCC vice chairman, Leung Chun-ying, will keep his post.
Former chief executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor, who left office last year, was left out.
Responding to the new list, Tung's office said that although he has not taken any role in the CPPCC, he will "continue to care for Hong Kong and the country as always," and that he hopes the country will stay strong and enjoy prosperity.
Other members include former World Health Organization director-general Margaret Chan Fung Fu-chun, 75, and Friends of Hong Kong Association chairman Henry Tang Ying-yen, 70.
Tang, who is also West Kowloon Cultural District Authority board chairman, said he is honored to be reappointed and will strive to help Hong Kong. Tang said CPPCC Hong Kong delegates need to participate better in the administration and discussion of state affairs. Chinese General Chamber of Commerce chairman Jonathan Choi Koon-shum, Emperor Group vice chairman Alex Yeung Ching-loong, and wholesale and retail sector lawmaker Peter Shiu Ka-fai, are also on the list.
Deputy directors of Beijing's Liaison Office in Hong Kong Chen Dong and Yin Zonghua, as well as former executive deputy director of State Council's Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office Zhang Xiaoming, are on the list.
However, Xia Baolong, 70, director of the State Council's Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office, is not on the list, meaning his tenure as CPPCC vice chairman will end in March.
Chinese Association of Hong Kong and Macau Studies vice president Lau Siu-kai said allowing experienced senior politicians to stay in the CPPCC can help improve delegates' reputation and they can help lead younger members.
CPPCC has high level of participation in Hong Kong's affairs, he said, adding that Beijing needs more top candidates and elites from various sectors to help govern the city.
