Bay Area: 3-pronged approach for HK
Leung said through research, the city can give the most comprehensive and factual understanding of the latest developments and policy publications in all sectors and in all cities in the Bay Area. The second stage, messaging, is to broadcast the results of the research findings comprehensively, effectively and objectively. The final step is community engagement, such as in schools, professional bodies, trade industries and investment communities aiming to change mindsets and attitudes, he said.
Leung added that Hong Kong can facilitate collaboration between mainland scientists and Hong Kong investors to bring new capital to laboratories and startups on the mainland. The city also can facilitate direct contacts between businesses and government, such as linking Hong Kong businesses and mainland municipal governments, broadening such connections and intensifying relationships.
Zhou Shuchun, a member of the Standing Committee of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference and China Daily publisher and editorin-chief, said via a video link from Beijing, “The central government’s new dual-circulation development program is expected to mark a major shift in the country’s economic strategy, and the 11-city cluster in the Bay Area will, doubtless, play a key role in it.”
Annie Wu Suk-ching , honorar y chairman of Beijing Air Catering, said
Hong Kong can utilize its professional expatriates and expertise in finance, international litigation and mergers and acquisitions to bring overseas businesses to Hong Kong first before they start doing business in the Bay Area. The city can also bring technologies from overseas institutions into the Bay Area by using Hong Kong as a steppingstone.
“T his was always a useful and important role for Hong Kong in the past, as it is in the present and also will be in the future,” Wu said.
The conference included three panel discussions to discuss healthcare sector development in the Bay Area, the role of technology infrastructure as the new engine of economic growth and the role of Hong Kong in the Bay Area blueprint.