Let's lead the way for GBA-wide cultural, sports extravaganzas

Premier Li Qiang mentioned in his government work report a need to support Hong Kong deepening international exchanges and cooperation.

To put this in a less bureaucratic language, Hong Kong can be the international face of the Greater Bay Area. Given its historical background and geographical location in the region, it is naturally well positioned to play a lead role in the GBA strategy.

First of all, the city has long been a bustling hub where global business, culture and ideas collide.

The GBA that links Hong Kong, Macau and nine cities in Guangdong seeks to create an economic and innovation powerhouse rivaling the San Francisco Bay and the Tokyo Bay.

Armed with its long-standing reputation, Hong Kong can help put the region to the world. To start with, it may lead by organizing 'mega' events for the GBA region.

The idea is all about thinking big.

The GBA is home to over 80 million people with a combined GDP of an estimated 14 trillion yuan (HK$15.04 trillion) in 2023. What it needs is a global face that speaks to the world.

Hong Kong fits the bill. Is it not already known for its city skyline, financial clout and ability to host nearly everything from trade fairs and film festivals to sports tournaments?

It is well positioned, at least in principle, to team up with Guangzhou, Shenzhen and Macau to pull off events that attract international attention. These events can be sports tournaments, cultural expos, tech summits or anything from the long list.

Together, these cities can showcase the GBA as a connected region in which Hong Kong leads the charge as the gateway.

Hong Kong has hosted significant annual events like the Kai Tak Sports Park opening, World Grand Prix Snooker Tournament and the LIV Golf Hong Kong. According to Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Rosanna Law Shuk-pui, more are scheduled including the ComplexCon, Art Central, Art Basel and Hong Kong Sevens.

Think big and do big. Pair that with Shenzhen's tech innovation, Guangzhou's cultural and manufacturing assets and Macau's tourism flair would create a recipe for something interesting.

Perhaps, also imagine a GBA-wide Olympics bid or a cultural festival across all GBA cities with Hong Kong acting as the welcoming host.

After all, Hong Kong will host the National Games of the People's Republic of China with Guangdong and Macau in November.

Commenting on the premier's report, Leung Chun-ying, vice-chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, said international exchanges and cooperation are not merely about trade and economics but culture, sports, arts and education too.

The former chief executive of Hong Kong recalled that the GX Foundation he chairs has organized medical aid across eight nations over the years.

It will not be easy to pull these off since the city also faces its own challenges. For one, infrastructure needs to rise to these opportunities. Then, political tensions and international perception that Hong Kong's high degree of autonomy has eroded may deter some international partners, despite confidence that the city may overcome these with its soft power.

In addition, Hong Kong faces competition from Singapore and within the GBA.

Could tech-driven dynamism of Shenzhen and the cultural and commercial weight of Guangzhou mean they would also contemplate a bigger role in future although some world stars have shown a preference for the SAR despite, for examples, the grand opera theatres in Guangzhou and Zhuhai?

To lead, Hong Kong may seek to coordinate with the GBA cities rather than dominate. Hong Kong can lead the charge but it requires the leaders to think big to help to pave the way for the GBA to rival the bay areas in San Francisco and Tokyo.

Maybe this is what the premier wants.