In addition to outlining the most pressing issues facing the economy, the recent work conference also emphasised the need for entrepreneurs, who are vital to help China achieve common prosperity and create a bigger economic pie for the entire country.

Even a limited reopening between Hong Kong and Guangdong will be a relief for struggling businesses and cross-border families. Privacy concerns aside, officials should also consider the practical challenges faced by the elderly.

Convenient, efficient rail access to Qianhai from Hong Kong will be an essential part of fostering integration and economic growth. Despite concerns about construction costs and engineering challenges, it is logical and pragmatic for Hong Kong to forge closer ties with Shenzhen.

The latest legislative amendments proposed by the government to ease entry barriers for foreign-trained doctors deserve our support in principle, but our own medical students must not lose out on any opportunities.

Hong Kong’s small market and narrow economic structure offer limited choices for graduates to pursue their dreams. Opportunities are unfolding across the border, as the likes of Shenzhen roll out measures to attract young people from Hong Kong and Macau.

While some argue that funding translates into Olympic success, other factors, such as population, culture and geography, play a role. Hong Kong should invest more in fostering a love of sports early in children.

Xi Jinping understands the importance of branding, and his call to party cadres to present a good image of China is timely, in view of the increasingly negative perceptions of the country in the West. Impersonal facts and dry statistics, plus matter-of-fact reports on its achievements, may not easily touch the hearts of ordinary people.

Countries that are ahead in the race to herd immunity are reopening their economy and borders, and societies grappling with vaccine hesitancy, like Hong Kong, must step up efforts to catch up.

Its policy blueprint to sustain growth in the wake of the pandemic and prepare the economy for the next leap is a huge confidence booster. With China on the cusp of great change, Hong Kong should use its unique advantages to actively take part in the grand national development scheme.

The government’s proposal to allow more foreign-trained doctors is expedient but, ultimately, Hong Kong has to train more doctors of its own and explore technology to complement the city’s health care.

Worries about the effects of a vaccine are understandable. The government must respond with empathy, and correct and up-to-date information about the vaccines, especially the Chinese-made ones that have been the target of malicious rumours.

Even with Beijing’s focus on innovation and domestic consumption, there are many opportunities for Hong Kong, whether it is to provide goods and services for Chinese consumers, or help attract international investment.

To stay at the forefront of China’s miraculous rise, Hong Kong has to identify its unique strengths and adapt. For example, the central government is forging ahead with the trial launch of a digital currency in Shenzhen, and Hong Kong can contribute.

While sceptics argue that Hong Kong’s stock market is overwhelmingly Chinese in character, the various stock and bond connect schemes between Hong Kong and the mainland ensure the global orientation of Hong Kong’s financial sector.

Hong Kong should strike a balance between being an integral part of China and maintaining its unique advantages as an open economy. Instead of lamenting its stagnation, it should ride the wave of Chinese growth in the post-pandemic world.

Hong Kong reassembles a fine porcelain store in which two powerful bulls have locked horns. It is vital to minimise the damage both by emphasising why Hong Kong should still be attractive to international firms and by leveraging the China factor.

Patriotic education will still allow young people to have critical thinking and freedom of expression, but within reasonable boundaries and with a proper understanding of China.

Hong Kong needs to spend more on R&D, spend it better and more quickly, and encourage greater participation from businesses and universities. Mainland China has a cogent and thriving national innovation ecosystem – Hong Kong should see at how it can more closely assimilate into it.

The former Portuguese colony faces formidable challenges in creating the necessary conditions for a thriving yuan market, but a supportive Beijing may greatly ease its path to success. Hong Kong needs to consider ways to create synergies with its neighbour.

The minority of violent protesters draw their support from a broad base across Hong Kong’s peace-loving young people. To end the violence, Carrie Lam needs to engage with youth and channel their energy into worthier causes.

Chief executive pledges more open dialogue with the young after clashes over controversial, but now ‘dead’, extradition bill

There are plenty of roles Hong Kong can play in the belt and road plan if the city can get its act together

Even if Hong Kong’s vacancy tax does not ease our home crunch, it conveys a strong political message that the city administration is determined to do whatever it takes to ease the housing burden for city residents

Links between Hong Kong, Taiwan and mainland filmmakers are vital to building mutual trust and relationships

Hong Kong should play a more active role in integration with the mainland. Shenzhen’s advances can be a role model for development, especially in making the mainland a more attractive employment environment for Hongkongers.

Its scale may be unprecedented but we must continuously seek out-of-the-box solutions to the daunting challenges facing us, writes Ken Chu