Hong Kong is increasingly using its influence as a superconnector and super value-adder to advance cooperation and integration in global economic and trade landscapes, said Fang Zhou, research director at the One Country Two Systems Research Institute, on Friday.

During a media tour focusing on the groundbreaking advancements and future prospects of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), Fang highlighted Hong Kong’s unique role in global economic and trade landscapes.

Fang highlighted the range of initiatives that Hong Kong has taken to foster global economic and trade collaboration, including the Hong Kong Stock Exchange's plan to establish an office in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia this year, and the sending of numerous delegations from the city to the Middle East to enhance ties.

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Fang said he believes these efforts demonstrate the city’s dedication to helping local and overseas capital connect with emerging markets, such as those in the Middle East and Central Asia.

Hong Kong is also helping global investors tap into the Chinese mainland market, and supporting Chinese investors with their expansion into global markets, said Fang.

He named the Shanghai Automotive Industry Corp as an example, which has attracted investment through its office in Hong Kong to support an expansion plan in India.

He also said that the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area — a cluster of 11 cities under three different customs regulations — is an excellent model for cross-border integration and cooperation.

In the face of rising trade protectionism globally, the Greater Bay Area has successfully cut the costs associated with the flow of people, goods, capital and information in cross-border cooperation, showcasing the benefits of collaboration.

Highlighting Hong Kong's role as a key value-adder, Fang said that many mainland companies have been listed or are seeking to list in Hong Kong for global fundraising purposes.

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Fang said many mainland companies are motivated to optimize their management in alignment  with international accounting regulations and laws. The entire process represents a value-added opportunity to the companies themselves, he added.

Contact the writer at amberwu@chinadailyhk.com