2017-10-10

Lam offers glimpses into vision for city's future

Chitralekha Basu

Lam offers glimpses into vision for city's future

HONG KONG - The 20th anniversary celebrations for China Daily Hong Kong Edition on Monday assumed more meaning and significance than a regular birthday bash.

In the lead-up to Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor’s maiden Policy Address on Wednesday, the 340-plus gathering of distinguished guests featuring high-profile diplomats, public servants, captains of industry, academics and media and communication leaders were treated to a speech by the Chief Executive herself.


Lam said she was unable to divulge the contents of her Wednesday presentation. But her keynote speech delivered at the China Daily Asia Leadership Roundtable Luncheon, held to mark China Daily HK’s 20th year, provided glimpses into her vision for Hong Kong’s future and how this ties up with the Belt and Road Initiative, launched by President Xi Jinping.

Referring to the theme of the roundtable — Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area from the Belt and Road Perspective: Opportunities and Challenges — Lam said it was “a most timely and relevant one” as it was “inspiring”, bringing together “two critically important national development strategies”. “Much synergy could be derived from interactions of both, particularly in shaping the future of Hong Kong,” she noted.

“Indeed, I view the bay area development as a key pillar for the Belt and Road Initiative,” said Lam. She noted the increasing importance being placed on the special administrative region to work together with the cities in the Pearl River Delta to achieve prosperity for the region as well as serve as a strategically positioned conduit between the Chinese mainland and the rest of the world. “In my view, the bay area will serve as the gateway between the Chinese mainland and the countries along the Belt and Road.”

Referring to her first official trip after assuming office to Beijing in August, Lam said she had “secured the Central People’s Government's blessing for Hong Kong to enter into a comprehensive agreement with the mainland on the SAR’s participation in the Belt and Road Initiative”. The CE added that she hoped to see the agreement drawn up before the year was out.

As part of her government’s focus on innovation and technology and creating opportunities for the city’s young professionals and entrepreneurs, Lam mentioned a plan “to develop an international innovation and technology hub in the bay area”.

Lam noted the way cities in the southern coast of China were already taking advantage of the nation’s innovation-driven development strategy.

“If Hong Kong does not wish to be left behind, it is important for us to join hands with these cities in the bay area in the development of the innovation center”.

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