The Northern Metropolis is key to Hong Kong’s and its international partners’ future, and the city is committed to global cooperation, senior officials told diplomats from around the world during a tour of the new town.

On Wednesday morning, about 70 representatives from foreign consulates in Hong Kong — including consuls general, directors and incoming consuls general — attended a tour organized by the Commissioner's Office of China's Foreign Ministry in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

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The diplomats visited several facilities at the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park and the Hung Shui Kiu/Ha Tsuen New Development Area Community Liaison Centre, to learn about the latest developments there, including industrial development, functional zoning, construction progress, efficient links with Shenzhen, and the project’s approach to innovation and technology.

Cui Jianchun, commissioner of the Chinese Foreign Ministry in the Hong Kong SAR, said the Northern Metropolis is “not a project that Hong Kong can or should build alone,” and that it matters to Hong Kong’s future and to the diplomats’ countries alike.

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Cui said the goals of the tour were to provide “clarity” and to demonstrate “cooperation and commitment”. He said he hoped the event would clearly present the project’s current status and potential, show global partners Hong Kong’s commitment to building this engine of economic and social development under the “one country, two systems” principle, and attract broad global cooperation. He also likened the Northern Metropolis to Shenzhen at the start of China’s reform and opening-up, saying it is destined to succeed.

“It is a place full of opportunities — in technology, business, talent, industry and tourism — and we are here to find out how we can work together,” Cui said.

Chief Secretary for Administration Eric Chan Kwok-ki said the Northern Metropolis has grown from a large-scale land development project into an initiative of national strategic importance.

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He said he believes today’s event can dispel the common misconception that the Northern Metropolis is still only a plan. The diplomats will be able to see that the new town has already begun to deliver real results and will gradually enter its maturity phase, he said.

He said he hoped everyone would fully explore the opportunities open to investors, professionals, researchers and students from their countries.

Contact the writers at amerwu@chinadailyhk.com