Foreign consuls stationed in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region have been encouraged to actively take part in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area’s international cooperation initiatives, especially during the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30) period, as China continues to deepen its opening-up.

The call came during a Tuesday seminar organized by the Commissioner’s Office of China’s Foreign Ministry in the Hong Kong SAR, featuring presentations from senior politicians who attended last month’s two sessions in Beijing.

Dozens of foreign consular officers, including several consuls general, attended the seminar, which highlighted the country’s latest policy directions and the Hong Kong SAR’s evolving roles.

Cui Jianchun, commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in the HKSAR, opened the seminar by outlining China’s foreign policy vision and contributions to global development. He said China continues to serve as a driver of diplomacy, a contributor to global governance, and a guardian of regional stability.

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

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He also highlighted a series of major international events scheduled to take place in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area this year, including the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Economic Leaders’ Meeting in Shenzhen in November, the APEC Finance Ministers’ Meeting in Hong Kong in October, and the APEC Tourism Working Group Meeting in Macao in June.

Cui welcomed foreign diplomatic representatives to actively participate in these events and to use the opportunities to gain a deeper understanding of the development and cooperation prospects within the Greater Bay Area.

Jonathan Choi Koon-shum, a member of the Standing Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference National Committee — the nation’s top political advisory body — described the Greater Bay Area as a global production base, and emphasized Hong Kong’s emerging role in innovation, trade, and investment.

Choi, also chairman of the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong, said the city is evolving beyond its traditional role as a superconnector to become an investor and operator. The city can leverage its legal and regulatory environment to facilitate global trade and investment, he added.

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

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Martin Liao Cheung-kong, another member of the Standing Committee of the CPPCC National Committee and a Hong Kong Executive Council member, discussed the development focus outlined in the central government’s 2026 Government Work Report, including pursuing progress while maintaining stability, and “investing in people” through skills training, social security systems and public services.

Ronick Chan Chun-ying, a Hong Kong legislator representing the finance sector and a deputy to the National People’s Congress, briefed on the nation’s “10 major tasks for 2026”, which include accelerating industrial modernization, boosting domestic demand, strengthening technological self-reliance, and promoting green development.

Chan said he expects Hong Kong to play a significant role in supporting these goals by leveraging its strengths in capital flow, financial institutions, and international market connectivity.

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

Contact the writer at atlasshao@chinadailyhk.com