Henry Tan, a CPPCC National Committee member poses for a photo during an interview with China Daily on the sidelines of the two sessions in Beijing. (XI TIANQI / CHINA DAILY)

Henry Tan, a prominent Hong Kong entrepreneur and a national political adviser, said he is intensifying efforts to bolster confidence in the Chinese mainland’s economy within the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

Speaking to China Daily during the annual two sessions in Beijing, Tan, a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conferencehighlighted China’s exceptional economic growth compared with other major economies — a 5.2 percent GDP increase last year, and a projected 5 percent growth for 2024.

As a traditional trading center, Hong Kong should actively participate in bilateral and multilateral trade agreements, capitalizing on its position as an international gateway, Tan said

Noting his attention to certain sections in the Government Work Report delivered at the opening meeting of the second session of the 14th National People’s Congress, Tan said he is proud of the fact that “China accounted for over 60 percent of global electric vehicle” among many breakthroughs made in technological innovation.

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Tan, who has decades of experience conducting business with Southeast Asian and Pacific island countries, envisions Hong Kong playing a larger role in bridging the mainland with the 600-millionstrong ASEAN market.

Highlighting the substantial presence of Hong Kong manufacturers who have established factories in the ASEAN member states, Tan said the city’s industrialists are able to leverage their knowledge and experience in the overseas market to facilitate two-way trade, investments, and the promotion of products — an essential role that can be further strengthened.

As a traditional trading center, Hong Kong should actively participate in bilateral and multilateral trade agreements, capitalizing on its position as an international gateway, Tan said.

He said he believes that Hong Kong’s accession to the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, once granted, will optimize its foreign trade and investment landscape, and increase its global high-level openness.

Tan also serves as honorary chairman of the advisory committee of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University’s College of Professional and Continuing Education, and was previously an advisory committee member of the university’s Institute of Textiles and Clothing.

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Tan proposed developing Hong Kong into a global fashion center, presenting more marketable products based on its excellent research and development in new materials in the textile and apparel industry.

He also called on enterprises from Hong Kong and ASEAN to seize the ample opportunities provided by the regional tech powerhouse, the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, to pursue high-tech development and intelligent and automated production.

Tan urged overseas students, especially those from ASEAN member states and the Belt and Road Initiative participating nations, to consider studying in Hong Kong. He said the city’s educational strengths will offer overseas students a convenient and culturally immersive experience, promoting a better understanding of China among young people worldwide.

Contact the writer at lindaxi@chinadailyhk.com