Top Beijing official says Hong Kong, Macau will play key role in China’s ‘dual circulation’ economic strategy

Neighbouring cities are ‘focal points’ of national plan to focus on domestic market and reduce reliance on exports

Also at science forum in Macau, Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam promises new policies promoting innovation

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Hong Kong has an important role to play in China’s new economic strategy, says senior Beijing official Zhang Xiaoming. Photo: AFP

Published: 4:47pm, 10 Nov 2020Updated: 11:15pm, 10 Nov 2020

A top Beijing official has said Hong Kong and Macau will play an important role in China’s new flagship economic strategy to harness the power of its domestic market while insulating it from geopolitical tensions.

Zhang Xiaoming, deputy director of the State Council’s Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office, also singled out the Macau government for being proactive in controlling the coronavirus crisis, with Beijing’s support.

“The vast majority of Macau compatriots understand more and more deeply that the motherland is its strongest backer, and ‘one country, two systems’ is the best system for maintaining Macau’s long-term prosperity and stability,” he told a science forum on Tuesday.

“Hong Kong and Macau are the focal points of ‘dual circulation’. Whether it is to integrate into the internal circulation, or the international circulation, both cities have many unique strengths, and can play their parts.”

Zhang Xiaoming is deputy director of the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office, China’s top body overseeing Hong Kong. Photo: SCMP

Zhang was referring to the plan announced by President Xi Jinping in May to focus more on the domestic market to help the country better navigate an increasingly unstable and hostile world, while also remaining part of the global economy.

At the opening ceremony of the First Conference of the International Science, Technology and Innovation Forum of Boao Forum for Asia in Macau, Zhang also noted Chinese Vice-Premier Han Zheng’s promise to Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor at their meeting last week that the central government would support the city in maintaining its long-term prosperity and stability.