There are many reasons to count HK’s blessings
Looking back at the past four decades — since Deng Xiaoping launched economic reform and opening-up on the Chinese mainland in pursuit of “four modernizations” in 1978 — Hong Kong has benefited directly and indirectly from the nation’s strong development and especially that of South China, ahead of the rest of the country. Fast-forward to July 1, 1997; Hong Kong’s economic development has maintained healthy growth in the past 21 years thanks to more opportunities presented by the motherland.
The reason Hong Kong has been able to maintain healthy development in the past two decades is first and foremost the Basic Law, the “one country, two systems” principle in particular. According to the Basic Law, Hong Kong’s capitalist system, common law system and existing way of life have all remained unchanged, as has its unique role in the country’s development. This general status quo has let Hong Kong take advantage of the nation’s reform and opening-up by playing the role of a “window” and “bridge” to the mainland, whose continued development creates more opportunities for Hong Kong. As long as Hong Kong society stays united and works together our economy and people’s well-being will be better for sure.
Hong Kong could not have become the prosperous modern metropolis it is today without the hard work and perseverance of generations of local residents — the mental fortitude summarized as the Lion Rock Spirit. In the past 21 years, however, the special administrative region has no doubt received tremendous support and assistance from the central government and the mainland, especially when the city ran into unexpected natural or manmade difficulties. No matter what challenge we were faced with the central government always came with the help we needed most. In terms of development strategy the country’s 13th Five-Year Plan (2016-20) has a chapter for the Hong Kong SAR; while the Belt and Road Initiative was designed with Hong Kong in mind. That is why we are expected to “meet what the country needs with what Hong Kong does best”, including our experience and know-how in finance, shipping, trade and professional services, in addition to serving as a hub and platform between the mainland and the outside world for all kinds of exchange. As release of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area development blueprint approaches, Hong Kong will find even more opportunities to play a greater role in the nation’s development.
The Bay Area city cluster development program will give Hong Kong numerous opportunities to further establish its presence in the Pearl River Delta region, complementary cooperation with other cities in the region for win-win results and a better future. Hong Kong residents and the younger generation in particular should seize every opportunity they come across to prepare to build a brighter future for themselves and their hometown along the way. Sign up for learning tours in Guangdong during the summer recess instead of trying to kill time in Hong Kong. Opportunities are for those prepared to grab them. High school graduates eyeing higher education should not limit their search for universities to Hong Kong only. Many national key universities reserve a few places for SAR applicants each year and Hong Kong students should definitely go for it if they think they have what it takes.
Hong Kong is ideally located between the mainland and the outside world to profit from both sides by taking full advantage of the “one country, two systems” policy while enjoying a tranquil natural environment that generates few severe natural calamities. It is quite true that Hong Kong is blessed and local residents have every reason to cherish their blessings. In the past 21 years Hong Kong has benefited from the country’s strong economic growth without losing its own traditional advantages, such as a simple and low tax system, which is lower even than the mainland’s; a mature and independent judicial system that safeguards people’s legal rights and freedoms; a set of free trade policies that make Hong Kong a shoppers’ paradise; a transparent and efficient government with the Independent Commission Against Corruption to ensure the city as well as the government clean as they can and should be; rated as one of the safest places in the world; close to full employment; not required to pay taxes to the central government, as mainland regional governments are, or provide any financial support for the People’s Liberation Army Garrison… All these and our core values are blessings that local people should cherish and be proud of.