HK urged to grasp opportunities in GBA

Editor's note: In the run-up to the 72nd anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, China Daily interviewed Hong Kong residents, including expatriates living in the city, from various sectors and different backgrounds, about the close bond between the city and its motherland. This is the seventh piece of the series.

Angus Ng Hok-ming, chairman of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Youth Association, says that Hong Kong can fully leverage its strengths in science and technology to integrate into the development of the Greater Bay Area and to contribute to the nation's prosperity.

How do you see relations between Hong Kong and the country? What do you think of the significance of the "one country, two systems" principle to Hong Kong, and can you elaborate on your views with your own experience?

After the city's social unrest in 2019, with the National Security Law for Hong Kong and a revamped electoral system in place, the city is gradually achieving true reunification of the hearts of Hong Kong people. "One country, two systems" is an invaluable and precious opportunity for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. With the unique policy, backed by the country's firm support, the HKSAR is able to cooperate with Macao and other neighboring cities in Guangdong province, to further integrate into the nation's overall development.

Hong Kong needs to grasp opportunities brought by some plans or development strategies initiated by the country, such as the nation's 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-25), the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, and the development plans for Hengqin and Qianhai, to maintain its prosperity and stability.

As relations between Hong Kong and the Chinese mainland get much closer, especially with the development of the GBA, which area or industry will you be keeping an eye on, and why?

After the release of the development plan of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, the partnership between the Chinese mainland and Hong Kong is closer than ever. In my view, the first mission in promoting the development of the Bay Area is to build an international technology and innovation center.

Inno-tech and the trend of digitalization will be an important opportunity for the future of the Bay Area. As technology competition among different countries and regions grows fiercer, that's why we must strengthen our own abilities and competitiveness in scientific and technology research and development. The Bay Area has unlimited potential in this field, as Hong Kong has some world-leading universities and international technological resources, while other cities in the Greater Bay Area have strengths in industrialization and broadly across markets.

What wishes will you extend to China, including Hong Kong, on the PRC's 72nd anniversary?

As the National Day and the 72nd anniversary of the founding of the PRC is approaching, I wish that our country continues to thrive and prosper, and for happiness and contentment for our people. I am confident that Hong Kong will continue to have the support of the country, fully utilizing its own advantages while integrating itself into the development of the country, and together we shall build a magnificent future for China.