SCIO briefing on the outline development plan for Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area
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E-mail China.org.cn, March 1, 2019
Xi Yanchun:
Now, let's invite Mr. Matthew Cheung Kin-chung to give us an introduction.
Matthew Cheung Kin-chung:
Ladies and gentlemen, friends,
The development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (Greater Bay Area) is a national strategy that was planned, arranged and promoted by President Xi Jinping in person. It is not only an attempt to break ground by pursuing opening up on all fronts in the new era, but also a further step in pushing forward the practice of "one country, two systems." By further deepening cooperation, it aims to promote coordinated economic development in the region, to make use of the complementary advantages of the three places, and to further enhance the Greater Bay Area's supporting and leading role in the nation's economic development and opening up policy.
"One country, two systems" is the advantage of Hong Kong in the Greater Bay Area, and serves as an important foundation for the Greater Bay Area to go global. Chinese leaders commonly reiterate the principle of "one country, two systems," under which the people of Hong Kong govern themselves with a high degree of autonomy. Promoting the development of the Greater Bay Area enriches the practice of "one country, two systems," which is conducive to maintaining Hong Kong's long-term prosperity and stability. It will not blur the boundary of the "two systems" like some people fear, nor will it affect Hong Kong's status as a separate customs territory.
Under the "one country, two systems" policy, Hong Kong enjoys unique dual advantages. Even as part of the country, it has its own economic, legal and social systems. It is a highly open and international city with an inviting and convenient business environment and excellent professional services. We can join these advantages of Hong Kong to the vast market, complete industrial system, strong technological presence and other advantages of the nine mainland cities in the Greater Bay Area. By promoting the coordinated development of the Greater Bay Area, Hong Kong will further enhance its status as an international financial, shipping and trade center, as well as an international aviation hub.
Hong Kong will be an active participant, facilitator and promoter. It can share its rich experience in international connections with the mainland and help introduce foreign investors. It can also work with mainland enterprises to jointly explore overseas markets and seek out development opportunities, and consequently, to promote the economic growth of both sides and achieve mutually beneficial results.
Xi Yanchun:
Thank you, Mr. Zhang. Now, Mr. Mi Jian, please.
Mi Jian:
Good afternoon. I'm going to talk about our understandings of the outline development plan from the perspective of the Macao SAR.
Firstly, the outline development plan bestows Macao with a new historic mission and new responsibilities. We find there are 49 items in the outline development plan concerning the Macao SAR, highlighting the importance of Macao during the development and construction of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. Let me summarize this aspect under four headings.
First, it lists Macao as one of the four principal cities involved in the development and construction of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, making it a "core engine" for regional development. For a small area like Macao to undertake such a significant role shows the central government's trust in us and its sense of anticipation.
Second, the 12th and 13th Five-Year plans clarified Macao's roles as a global tourism and leisure center, as well as an economic and trade cooperation platform between China and Lusophone countries. This has been stressed again in the outline development plan.
Third, it calls on Macao to develop into a base for exchange and cooperation where Chinese culture is the mainstream but co-existing with diverse cultures. This reflects a high appreciation of the historical position and distinctive culture of Macao, as well as the successful co-existence of diversified cultures.
Fourth, one of the key goals of the outline development plan is to pursue the development of the "Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong-Macao" innovation and technology corridor, where Macao becomes one of the supporting points. These four aspects summarize the positioning and the mission given to Macao, reflecting its responsibility as well as the challenges it faces.
In addition, the release and implementation of the outline development plan will bring a once-in-a-thousand-year chance for Macao's development. If Macao can seize this opportunity, proactively participate in the development and construction of the greater bay area, it will surely achieve "leapfrog development" of itself, and diversified economic and social development in this process. This would create conditions and lay a solid foundation for the prosperity and stability of Macao as well as ensuring better lives for future generations. That's a social and historical responsibility the Macao SAR government must undertake. Thank you.
Xi Yanchun:
Thank you, Mr. Mi. Now, the floor is open to questions. Please identify your media organizations before asking questions.
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