HONG KONG, 28 August 2019 – Industry thought leaders, policy-makers and leading members of academia at the China Conference: Greater Bay Area were unanimous in the view that the ambitious project offered undeniable opportunities that Hong Kong must grasp while highlighting the urgency to address the current civil unrest impacting the city.
The vision for the GBA is grandiose and far-reaching, seeking to create a regional powerhouse of global significance by strengthening economic partnerships between nine cities of the Guangdong province with Hong Kong and Macau. Organised by the South China Morning Post, the event showcased perspectives, insights and analysis of GBA policies, challenges and development opportunities, including how various industries and enterprises can benefit from the initiative.
Decision-makers, business leaders and media professionals from across the region were also treated to valuable insights on challenges ahead in realising the GBA vision from concept to reality. The Hon. Patrick Nip, JP, Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government addressed the conference with a keynote to put in perspective the GBA’s importance in the region’s drive for prosperity.
“The Greater Bay Area is a key development strategy of China. It has now entered into the stage of full-fledged implementation. National leaders are committed to the further opening up and deepening reform of the country. Taking forward the GBA development is surely a key initiative in this respect in the coming decades,” said Nip in his opening keynote.
Gary Liu, SCMP’s CEO said, “Just two weeks ago, Beijing announced next-stage plans to make Shenzhen into a “model city” over the next 30 years – to become a leader in competitiveness, innovation and influence. In addition, Guangzhou also continues in a leading role as the provincial capital and one of China’s nine National Central Cities. As a Hong Kong newspaper, we at the SCMP are keenly interested in how this city evolves in a GBA future, especially in light of the ongoing civil struggles that have divided Hong Kong’s society.”
Over 200 corporate leaders and policymakers convened at Hong Kong’s JW Marriott Hotel for inspiring discussions which featured Convenor of Non-Official Members of the Executive Council, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region The Hon. Bernard Charnwut Chan, GBS, JP; Head of Office, European Union Office to Hong Kong and Macau Carmen Cano; Executive Director and Head of Research, The Greater Bay Area and Hong Kong, CBRE Marcos Chan; Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer, Chinachem Group Donald Choi; Chairman of Lan Kwai Fong Group; Board Member of Airport Authority; Member of APEC Business Advisory Council Dr Allan Zeman, GBM, GBS, JP; President of American Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong Tara Joseph and among others. Please refer to the appendix for quotes from the event’s speakers and panellists.
Today’s event marks the sixth successful edition of the China Conference. SCMP will host subsequent events in the Philippines and in the USA to further examine the opportunities and evolvements to industries, economies and societies brought by the rising power of China. Kindly click here for more details about the event.
About China Conference
South China Morning Post’s China Conference was first launched in 2015 with the aim of setting the agenda for China watchers, business leaders and government officials around the world. Convening hundreds of thought-leaders at each event, renowned experts have debated pressing issues surrounding the world’s second-largest economy, and fostered better understanding and elevate thought about China’s culture, society, industries and economy.
About South China Morning Post
The South China Morning Post is a leading global news company that has reported on China and Asia for more than a century. Founded in 1903, SCMP is headquartered in Hong Kong, where it is the city’s newspaper of record, with a growing correspondent staff across Asia and the United States. SCMP’s vision is to “Elevate Thought” and our mission is to “Lead the global conversation about China”. Additionally, SCMP publishes a portfolio of premium lifestyle and fashion titles in Hong Kong including Cosmopolitan, ELLE, Esquire and, Harper’s BAZAAR. SCMP is also home to Abacus, a digital news brand focused on China’s tech industry; Inkstone, a daily news brief for those curious about China’s growing impact around the world; and Goldthread, a content platform with a focus on food, travel and culture in China.
For further information please contact: pr@scmp.com