The Chinese Manufacturers' Association of Hong Kong (CMA) on Friday submitted over 100 recommendations for this year's Policy Address, underlining stronger cooperation within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and support for small- and medium-sized enterprises (SME).

After meeting Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu on Friday morning, representatives from the CMA held a press conference to detail their recommendations for the forthcoming Policy Address scheduled for September.

Emphasizing integration and innovation, the CMA’s proposals span supporting SMEs, deepening integration with national strategies such as the Greater Bay Area, promoting innovation, technology and new industrialization, accelerating the development of the Northern Metropolis, and strengthening international connectivity.

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These proposals aim to reinvigorate Hong Kong's development momentum with coordinated, forward-looking policy actions, said CMA president Wingco Lo Kam-wing.

Lo emphasized that profound shifts in the global economic landscape and the accelerated transformation of its economic structure compel Hong Kong to strengthen its alignment with national development strategies to chart a clear path toward high-quality development.

The CMA suggests strengthening Hong Kong's distinct role as a global hub for connectivity and actively enticing international organizations, particularly those in which the nation holds significant influences, to establish regional headquarters in Hong Kong.

Hong Kong's crucial position in bridging the Chinese mainland and the international community will create fresh opportunities amidst ongoing global changes, noted Lo.

The CMA also attaches great importance to the nation’s new industrialization strategy, proposing that Hong Kong should establish evaluation criteria and recognition mechanisms like the mainland does to help local SMEs achieve industrial transition and high-quality development.

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For instance, the CMA said the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government can include a food industrial park in the planned Northern Metropolis to manufacture elderly-friendly food, halal food and products with local characteristics, setting a good example for high-quality development characterized by innovation, distinctiveness, specialization, and sophistication.

CMA representatives and officials also discussed a range of issues affecting Hong Kong's industrial and commercial sectors.

The 2025 Policy Address is scheduled to be delivered in September, earlier than in previous years to allocate more time for the preparations for the Legislative Council election to be held in December. Public consultation started on June 16.

Contact the writer at amberwu@chinadailyhk.com