HK inspired by nation’s openness
Business, tourism industry leaders’ confidence in economic revival grows
I am confident that they (Hong Kong startups) will be more than happy to find their business venture in the Bay Area.”
Tony Tsang, CEO of DYXnet Group
Hong Kong’s business and tourism industry leaders said on Thursday they have become more confident about the city’s economic recovery on the second day of Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuetngor’s Beijing visit.
They were lifted by President Xi Jinping’s remarks at the opening of the China International Import Expo the previous day, when he vowed that the country will stay open for business with the rest of the world.
During a meeting with He Lifeng, head of the National Development and Reform Commission, on Thursday evening, Lam said she was encouraged that the nation’s 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-25) and Long-Range Objectives Through the Year 2035 proposed earlier had indicated support for Hong Kong and Macao to better integrate into the nation’s development and to build a high quality GuangdongHong Kong-Macao Greater Bay area.
Hong Kong looks forward to further support from the central government to consolidate its status as an international hub of finance, shipping, trade, and aviation and to build an international science and technology innovation center, said Lam.
On the second day of her threeday visit to the capital, Lam also met with officials from the China Securities Regulatory Commission and the National Health Commission.
Dennis Ng Wang-pun, president of the Chinese Manufacturers’ Association of Hong Kong, said he hoped that Lam told central authorities the needs of Hong Kong’s small and medium-sized enterprises in developing their business on the mainland, so as to seek more supportive policies, such as simplifying or exempting companies from tax in the early stages of operation.
Ng noted that Hong Kong should tap the broad mainland market more for its world-renowned brands. Nearly 240 Hong Kong exhibitors — a record high number up 20 percent from last year’s expo — are attending the third CIIE, from Thursday to Tuesday.
Ng said he was encouraged by Xi demonstrating China’s desire to share its market opportunities with the world and to contribute to global economic recovery at the CIIE.
Ng added that as a world-class trading and financial hub, and an independent common law jurisdiction, Hong Kong should seize the opportunity to act as the nation’s “international liaison”.
Tony Tsang, CEO of DYXnet Group, a carrier-neutral network service provider, said that he is looking forward to Hong Kong startups on the mainland enjoying preferential policies, ranging from lower tax rates or platforms for raising capital. “I am confident that they will be more than happy to find their business venture in the Bay Area”, he said.
The Hong Kong Tourism Board also has a pavilion at the CIIE to raise the city’s exposure on the mainland, while encouraging mainland tourists to visit Hong Kong.
The tourism board said it has stepped up its efforts in promoting hygienic and anti-epidemic measures taken in Hong Kong, and conveying to visitors the city’s commitment to health and safety and to prepare for the arrival of visitors in the future.