Hong Kong's economy may be bruised but it is not down for the count. Hits that have shaken its confidence in the past five years have led to unemployment hitting 7.4 per cent.
But the SAR will be back as long as it uses brain power and leverages the industrial muscle that lies across the border. The most powerful weapon may be a combination punch, otherwise known as the Pearl River Delta.
Professor Otto Lin Chui-chau, vice-president for research and development at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), made the point in an opening address to a special forum dedicated to exploring ways to revive Hong Kong's economic fortunes.
'If we take a macroscopic view and examine the strength, weakness, opportunity and threats we find that Hong Kong has an asset that few cities in the world can match,' Professor Otto says.
'It is called the Pearl River Delta. We are practically within arms' length of each other. We share the same language, dialect, culture, history, family ties. Business wise, we have been working like hand in glove.'
The tri-session discussion forum, formally known as the HKUST Forum On The Future Development Of Hong Kong, draws to a close with the hosting of the final event today at the Island Ballroom, Island Shangri-La Hotel. The forums were held over three months beginning in May. Today's theme will examine the government's role in the economy.