Hong Kong’s autonomy is a strength that will power Greater Bay Area’s success, officials tell high-powered symposium
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Discussing the plan to integrate the two cities with nine of their mainland Chinese neighbours, speakers also expected Hong Kong’s status as the freest economy in the world to ensure the success of the ambitious project personally driven by President Xi Jinping.
National Development and Reform Commission officials Lin Nianxiu and Guo Lanfeng both called for an accurate implementation of the governing principle to uphold national sovereignty, while protecting the unique identities of the two former colonies.
“Hong Kong has been ranked as the freest economy in the world for 25 years. One country, two systems is the biggest strength of Hong Kong and Macau, while the mainland’s reform and opening up are the biggest stage for them to perform,” said Guo, who heads the commission’s department of regional economy.
“The difference between the Greater Bay Area and other bay areas in the world lies in one country, two systems. It is our strength, and also a principle of the whole planning process.”