Beijing supports HK's tech ambitions: liaison office
The head of the liaison office Zheng Yanxiong on Wednesday said Beijing fully supports Hong Kong’s efforts to become an international technology and innovation hub, as well as a green finance centre. He made the remarks at the International Forum on China’s Economy and Policy, which took place in Hong Kong for the first time since 2018.  In his opening speech, Zheng said President Xi Jinping has high hopes that Hong Kong can play a leading role in developing technology and innovation industries, and Beijing fully supports the city to establish I&T centres.  He added that Hong Kong can strengthen the synergy effects between research and production in such areas, by collaborating with mainland cities in the Greater Bay Area and adding momentum to the nation’s “high-quality development”. He also said the city should further upgrade its economy and tap into new drivers, such as the opportunities provided by the Northern Metropolis, while also protecting the environment. Zheng said Hong Kong can also support the country’s structural opening up.  “To use its advantages by offering a free, open, and standardised business environment that is in line with international trade rules; to break the attempt at decoupling and fragmentation by opening up at a higher level, consolidating the city’s position as an international financial centre, while strengthening its role as an offshore renminbi business hub to attract international capital,” he said. Zheng added that Hong Kong can seek new opportunities amid an ever-evolving international environment, now the city has “returned to stability”. Echoing Zheng, Chief Executive John Lee said that Hong Kong will continue to expand its trade networks while attracting business and talent, developing the city into “eight centres” while seeking new growth drivers, such as in tech and life sciences, as outlined in his Policy Address last month.  Lee added that the city will also actively look for opportunities in relation to the Belt and Road Initiative to inject further economic momentum.