Hong Kong to get formal role in Beijing’s belt and road plan
Speaking at end of four-day visit to Beijing, Chief Executive Carrie Lam also unveils creation of communication mechanism on Greater Bay Area project
Hong Kong has been promised stronger support from Beijing in developing its economy, with plans to establish a formal role for the city in the “Belt and Road Initiative” and boost communication on the development of the Greater Bay Area plan for the Pearl River Delta region.
Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor outlined the initiatives on Wednesday as she concluded her four-day visit to Beijing, during which she called on 16 ministries and organisations.
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Lam described her visit as “fruitful” and “down-to-earth”,adding both sides had agreed to discuss the signing of an agreement to fully leverage Hong Kong’s advantages in professional services and finance.
“They expressed support for Hong Kong to develop into an international financial hub,” Lam said after meetings with senior officials from the People’s Bank of China and regulatory commissions.
She also revealed that foreign minister Wang Yi expressed support for Hong Kong to play a bigger role in the international arena, like the setting up of more trade offices in belt and road countries.
The initiative is Beijing’s blueprint to link various economies into a China-centric trade network.