Windy Shao

windysjf@hotmail.com

THE latest policy speech delivered Wednesday by John Lee, Hong Kong’s chief executive, highlighted the enhancement of collaboration between Shenzhen and Hong Kong. This topic has garnered substantial interest from both the public and the business community in Shenzhen.

During his address, Lee noted Hong Kong’s request to reinstate the multiple-entry policy for Shenzhen residents.

According to Dr. Ken Chu, a national political advisor and chairman of the Mission Hills Group, such a move could potentially invigorate diverse industries like entertainment, tourism, and services in Hong Kong.

Dr. Chu has witnessed the ongoing development and integration of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) while traveling between Shenzhen and Hong Kong. He expressed support for fostering exchanges and collaboration between the two cities.

In particular, he underscored initiatives like the Northern Metropolis region’s development and the establishment of a “low-altitude economy development task force.” Shenzhen stands out as a premier hub for the low-altitude economy, with robust policies supporting various industries.

On the other hand, Hong Kong is renowned as Asia’s logistics and transportation center and is home to top-ranked universities with substantial research capabilities, making it a hub with enormous potential for market growth and innovation, Dr. Chu noted. There is great anticipation for the two cities to jointly develop the low-altitude economy and embrace new productive forces, he stressed.

The Hong Kong government is keen on enhancing young people’s understanding of mainland development and nurturing their national identity through internships and exchange programs on the mainland, as highlighted by Lee in his address.

According to Dr. Chu, his company, which is based in Hong Kong and operates across the GBA and in the Hainan Free Trade Zone, has supported these initiatives by providing internship opportunities to Hong Kong youth in GBA cities and Hainan.

This year, 25 students from prominent Hong Kong institutions undertook internships at Mission Hills Shenzhen. Additionally, 300 youth from institutions such as the Hong Kong Metropolitan University and the Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Education engaged in short-term observation programs within the group.