Wang Huning, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), attends a symposium commemorating the 100th birth anniversary of the late Henry Fok Ying-tung, former vice-chairman of the National Committee of the CPPCC, in Beijing, capital of China, May 10, 2023. (PHOTO / XINHUA)

Senior officials and political and business heavyweights paid tribute to the late Hong Kong businessman Henry Fok Ying-tung, praising his innovative spirit and great contributions to the nation’s opening up and the implementation of “one country, two systems” in Hong Kong.

Wednesday marks Fok’s 100th birthday and a symposium was held in Beijing to commemorate the patriotic tycoon. He passed away in 2006 at the age of 84.

Wang Huning, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), attended the symposium and met with Fok's relatives ahead of the event.

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As a renowned businessman in Hong Kong, Fok was among the city’s first group of entrepreneurs who engaged in the Chinese mainland’s reform and opening-up policy and had invested in many prominent projects in Guangdong, such as the White Swan Hotel in Guangzhou.

Shi Taifeng, a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and head of the United Front Work Department of the CPC Central Committee, called for united efforts to build China into a great modern socialist country in all respects and promote the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation on all fronts through a Chinese path to modernization

His companies have also participated in a series of infrastructure and development programs in the Nansha district of Guangzhou, which is located in the hinterland of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

Due to his remarkable contributions to the country, Fok served three terms as vice-chairman of the National Committee of the CPPCC. 

Speaking at Wednesday’s symposium, Shi Taifeng, a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and head of the United Front Work Department of the CPC Central Committee, emphasized the importance of following Fok's dedication to loving both the country and Hong Kong.

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Shi also called for united efforts to build China into a great modern socialist country in all respects and promote the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation on all fronts through a Chinese path to modernization.

Business group representatives in Hong Kong hailed Fok as a great pioneer of patriotic entrepreneurs who set a good example for the city’s businesspeople.

Connie Wong Wai-ching, vice-chairperson of the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce, Hong Kong, said that the city’s business community should learn from Fok's pioneering spirit and strive to share the good stories of the Hong Kong SAR and other regions of the nation with foreign investors to boost their confidence in China’s prospects.

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Henry Tan, the Textile Council of Hong Kong’s chairman, said Fok’s legendary business career was closely linked with the country’s development. Tan added that Hong Kong's business community must firmly uphold the principle of "one country, two systems" and the Basic Law, and give full play to city's unique advantages of enjoying the strong support of the motherland and being closely connected to the world.