City is expected to contribute to the national strategy with its unique advantages — low tax rate, robust legal system, and close ties with the mainland and international communities. Chen Shuman reports in Hong Kong.

Vice-Premier Han Zheng delivers the opening speech via video link at the seventh Belt and Road Summit in Hong Kong on Wednesday. (ANDY CHONG / CHINA DAILY)

Representatives from various Hong Kong sectors said Vice-Premier Han Zheng’s speech at the Belt and Road Summit has bolstered the city’s confidence in its prospects within the Belt and Road Initiative, and shows the way for local talents to explore the great opportunities created by the BRI.

Their remarks came after Han affirmed Hong Kong’s role as a promoter, contributor and beneficiary of the BRI during the seminar, which began on Wednesday.

Han also expressed his hopes for Hong Kong to strengthen its practical cooperation with countries involved in the BRI; improve professional services for further developing the BRI in the fields of law, shipping, finance and counseling; intensify cultural exchanges with countries and regions involved in the BRI; and integrate into the nation’s overall development more proactively.

Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu speaks at the summit in Hong Kong. (ANDY CHONG / CHINA DAILY)

Business leader Peter Lam Kin-ngok said Han’s speech provides an important driving force for Hong Kong’s prosperity within the BRI, as it clarifies the city’s advantageous position in the development and implementation of the initiative. The speech also pointed the way forward for the city’s further development, Lam said.

Lam, who chairs the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, urged those from all walks of life in Hong Kong to fulfill the central government’s expectations and make greater contributions to developing the Belt and Road.

To further unleash the potential of the BRI, Tan Yueheng, chairman of BOCOM International Holdings Co, suggested establishing a comprehensive financial platform across regions and areas involved in the BRI, with Hong Kong serving as a regional financing center.

Speakers share their views at one of the summit’s seminars. They include Ronnie Chan (front left), chair of Hang Lung Properties, and YK Pang (front right), deputy managing director and chairman of Hong Kong Jardine Matheson Holdings. (ANDY CHONG / CHINA DAILY)

Through various financing methods, more and more capital could be injected into BRI development via Hong Kong, which would also enhance the city’s financial competitiveness, Tan said. He called on Hong Kong-based State-owned enterprises to play an essential role in supporting the city’s participation in the strategy.

Gary Wong Chi-him, board member of the Chinese Association of Hong Kong and Macao Studies, expressed confidence that the city will have more development opportunities and benefit from its long-term participation in the implementation of the Belt and Road. 

As a bridge connecting the nation with the world, Hong Kong will be able to unleash its potential and expand its influence on the world, if it can make full use of its advantages, Wong said.

Peter Lam Kin-ngok, chairman of Hong Kong Trade Development Council, the summit’s co-organizer, welcomes guests and participants. (ANDY CHONG / CHINA DAILY)

Lawmaker Kitson Yang Wing-kit said that Hong Kong is the ideal portal through which BRI investors can establish business connections, given its low tax rate, robust legal system, and its close ties with the Chinese mainland and international communities.

Noting the promising prospects of the initiative, he encouraged the city’s professionals in the fields of finance, construction, and infrastructure to explore more opportunities in the Belt and Road countries and regions.

He also hopes to see greater government support for Hong Kong university students to engage in exchange activities with BRI countries and regions, as well as more local courses to help students tap into opportunities within those countries and regions.

Meanwhile, political parties and commercial organizations — including the city’s largest political party, the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong, and the Hong Kong Chinese Importers’ and Exporters’ Association — also highlighted the importance of Han’s speech.

In separate statements, they noted that the speech has greatly boosted the city’s confidence in its role in the construction and implementation of the BRI, and called on all sectors in Hong Kong to contribute to its further development.

Contact the writer at shumanchen@chinadailyhk.com