National People's Congress Standing Committee Chairman Zhang Dejiang says Hong Kong, with its unique advantages, can make an important contribution to the Belt & Road initiatives.
Speaking at the inaugural Belt & Road Summit today, Mr Zhang said Hong Kong sits on the busiest international sea route, boasts a developed port economy and is an important gateway in China's opening-up.
He also outlined the city's easy, efficient and low cost land access to the Mainland as it is next to Guangdong, adding that Hong Kong is home to the world's busiest international airport, topping the list in passenger and goods transport.
Hong Kong borders on the Pearl River Delta, one of China's three economic growth poles and the pioneer of the country's institutional and structural reform and innovation-driven development, Mr Zhang noted.
He said Hong Kong, being next to Shenzhen - a centre for innovation and entrepreneurship - can join forces with the Guangdong Pilot Free Trade Zone, the Qianhai Shenzhen-Hong Kong cooperation zone and Fujian - a core area for the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road.
Hong Kong's strength in service can complement its neighbouring provinces' strength in manufacturing and have great potential in exploring international markets, Mr Zhang said, adding that Hong Kong and the Mainland have developed all-round, wide-ranging and high-level exchanges and co-operation.
Many opening-up policies were first experimented and practiced in Hong Kong, bringing experience for the Mainland while offering rare opportunities for Hong Kong. It can offer a good foundation for Hong Kong to seize new opportunities arising from the Belt & Road Initiative and achieve new progress, he said.
