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The fourth Hong Kong-Shenzhen Co-operation Forum, jointly organised by the Central Policy Unit (CPU) of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the Shenzhen Special Economic Zone Research Association and the China Development Institute of Shenzhen, was held in Hong Kong today (July 28). The forum is one of the celebratory events organised by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region to mark the 30th anniversary of the establishment of the Shenzhen Special Economic Zone.
The forum, initiated by the research institutions of Hong Kong and Shenzhen, has been held annually since 2006. Through non-official exchanges, the forum has made significant contributions to promoting co-operation between the two places. The theme of today's forum was "Hong Kong-Shenzhen Co-operation and the 12th Five-Year Plans". The forum examined the status and significance of co-operation between the two places in the context of the 12th Five-Year Plans of the country and of Guangdong Province. More than 60 participants from Hong Kong and Shenzhen, including experts from various fields, academics, businessmen and government officials, were invited to the forum.
The Head of the CPU, Professor Lau Siu-kai, delivered the opening address at the forum. Professor Lau extended his heartfelt congratulations to Shenzhen on the 30th anniversary of the establishment of the Shenzhen Special Economic Zone. He said the continuous co-operation between Hong Kong and Shenzhen over the past 30 years had laid a solid foundation for the two sides to jointly embark on new historic missions in the future. At this juncture when the country and Guangdong Province were drawing up blueprints for development in the next five years, Hong Kong and Shenzhen should capitalise on this new opportunity and seek closer co-operation. The two cities should carefully assess the current situation and adjust to the development needs of the country and Guangdong Province. They should take full advantage of the "early and pilot implementation" policy to form a city cluster which would be the most vibrant and internationally competitive in the Asia-Pacific region, to build a quality green living area, and to promote common economic and social development in the region.
Participants at the forum discussed in depth in four groups how Hong Kong and Shenzhen could strengthen co-operation in such areas as modern service industries, cultural and creative industries, new modes of development with technological innovation and industrial upgrading, and system innovation, in order to support the development strategies of the national and Guangdong 12th Five-Year Plans while enhancing the overall competitiveness of both cities.
Organisers on both sides said they attached great importance to the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Co-operation Forum, and hoped that the forum can continue to enhance co-operation and exchanges between the two places.
Ends/Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Issued at HKT 17:58
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