Dozens of representatives from foreign consular corps in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region on Tuesday attended a seminar on the key parts of China’s recently concluded national two sessions, including the country’s 15th Five-Year Plan (2026–30) and Hong Kong’s roles under the blueprint.

The seminar, which featured Hong Kong representatives to the national two sessions in Beijing and Cui Jianchun, commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the HKSAR, was hosted at the Commissioner’s Office of China’s Foreign Ministry in the Hong Kong SAR.

Cui briefed attendees on China’s contributions in global relations and development strategies, including serving as a driver of diplomacy, a contributor to global governance, and a guardian of regional stability.

In the face of a global backlash, China stands firm and open, Cui said.

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Jonathan Choi Koon-shum, a member of the Standing Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference National Committee, emphasized the significance of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area as a global production base, and Hong Kong’s roles in international scientific research, trade, and investment, describing the SAR as a rising global trading powerhouse.

Choi, who is also chairman of the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce, Hong Kong, said Hong Kong is transitioning from super connector to connector, investor, and operator. The city can leverage its legal and regulatory environment to facilitate global trade and investment, he added.

By joining hands with Chinese mainland regions, such as Hainan Free Trade Port, there could be synergy rather than competition, Choi said.

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Martin Liao Cheung-kong, a Hong Kong member of the Standing Committee of CPPCC National Committee, introduced China’s global vision and international contributions.

He briefed the audience on the core focus areas of the nation’s 15th Five-Year Plan, and the Greater Bay Area’s contribution to the country’s economy. The 11-city cluster produces about one-ninth of China’s national economic output with 0.6 percent of its land area and 6 percent of its population, he said.

Liao, who also sits on Hong Kong’s Executive Council, stressed the development focus of the 2026 Government Work Report, including seeking progress while maintaining stability, and emphasized the importance of investing in people through skills training, social security and public services.

Lawmaker Ronick Chan Chun-ying, a Hong Kong deputy to the National People’s Congress,  shared insights from the finance sector, and briefed the audience on the ten major tasks of the government in 2026, as well as general policy directions for economic and social development.

He said Hong Kong’s advantages in terms of its currency, financial institutions, and international finance corporations, can contribute to the nation’s development as a financial powerhouse.

Other speakers included lawmaker Thomas So Shiu-tsung and Vivian Yam Wing-wah, vice-president of the University of Hong Kong, who are both members of the CPPCC National Committee.

The speakers also answered questions from diplomats following their speeches.

Contact the writer at atlasshao@chinadailyhk.com