HK to play greater role in modernization push

Hong Kong's political and business leaders have underscored the city's significant role in China's drive for modernization, emphasizing the importance of leveraging its unique advantages under the "one country, two systems" framework, such as its international standing and common law system.

After three seminars on Sunday and Monday, leaders called for closer alignment of Hong Kong's policies with the Chinese mainland's latest development goals and urged accelerated reforms in key sectors where the city has distinct strengths, particularly in innovation and finance.

The seminars, attended by about 1,600 representatives from various sectors, featured two central government officials who outlined the key takeaways from the third plenary session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China.

Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Chief Secretary for Administration Eric Chan Kwok-ki highlighted Hong Kong's growing importance in China's efforts to deepen reforms and promote modernization, noting the city's role in both attracting foreign investment and expanding Chinese businesses globally.

Hong Kong Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po emphasized the seminars' importance in helping local sectors understand and implement the plenary session's directives, aligning Hong Kong more closely with national development strategies.

Hong Kong Secretary for Justice Paul Lam Ting-kwok described the city's common law system as a unique institutional advantage under "one country, two systems".He stressed the need to leverage it to actively participate in the development of China's external legal framework, suggesting that while fundamental systems like common law should remain unchanged, mechanisms should be enhanced to maximize their benefits.

Lawmaker Starry Lee Wai-king, a Hong Kong member of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, said the seminars provided clear guidance for Hong Kong's future development. She noted that China's reform efforts focus not only on economic growth but also on improving governance and adapting to global and digital trends.

Lawmaker Tan Yueheng, a Hong Kong member of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, highlighted the need for Hong Kong to address its aging population by adapting elderly care, social welfare and economic policies to create an elderly-friendly society and boost the silver economy.