The Government would pursue the greatest opportunity for Hong Kong people and enterprises in the development of the Guangdong pilot free trade zone, Chief Executive CY Leung has said in his Policy Address.
Mr Leung noted that the Central Government announced last December the establishment of three pilot free trade zones, with the Guangdong zone covering the new areas of Nansha, Qianhai and Hengqin.
Those new areas would leverage Hong Kong's edge to promote in-depth cooperation between Guangdong and Hong Kong, he said.
The Government will maintain close collaboration with the Guangdong authorities throughout the planning and development of the three new areas to actively pursue new modes of cooperation, the most favourable treatment and the biggest development opportunity for Hong Kong people and enterprises, Mr Leung added.
Noting the shift of the global economic balance towards the East, Mr Leung said Hong Kong needs to increase the number of economic and trade offices in the Asian region. A liaison unit in Shandong Province will be set up in the first half of this year and one more unit will be established in the Mainland's central region later.
The Government will continue to assist Hong Kong enterprises to develop the Mainland market by brand building, upgrading and restructuring operations, and exploring domestic sales, through the $1 billion dedicated fund.
To promote the insurance industry's development, the Government will allocate $500 million for the establishment of an independent Insurance Authority, he added.
