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The Central Policy Unit (CPU) of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region today (December 13) held a conference on the "National 12th Five-Year Plan and Future Development of Hong Kong".
Prominent scholars and experts from the Mainland and Hong Kong were invited to the conference to discuss the overall outlook for the period covered by the National 12th Five-Year Plan, as well as its details. The conference also examined the opportunities and challenges for Hong Kong, with a view to considering the way forward for Hong Kong's future development, and shed light on how Hong Kong can continue to capitalise on its unique advantages to play a greater role in the long-term development of the Mainland.
The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Henry Tang, officiated and gave a speech at the opening of the conference. The Permanent Vice-Chairman of China Centre for International Economic Exchanges, Mr Zheng Xinli, gave a keynote speech entitled "Implementation of the 12th Five-Year Plan and Continued Prosperity in Hong Kong". Mr Zheng emphasised that Hong Kong can make full use of its position as an international financial centre and its other strengths to contribute under the 12th Five-Year Plan. He also suggested that Hong Kong could foster economic co-operation with Macao to help create a world-class metropolitan area.
The Director of the Department of Development Planning, National Development and Reform Commission, Mr Li Shouxin, and Group Chairman of the Li & Fung Group of Companies, Dr Victor Fung, both delivered keynote speeches at the conference. Mr Li has profound experience in the areas of social development and planning in the Mainland, including the formulation of development plans, investment, macro-control, and conducting studies on major reform and development policies.
The SAR Government attaches great importance to the National 12th Five-Year Plan and is committed to contributing to the overall development of the nation by putting forward its views and recommendations in the planning process on the development of Hong Kong and the Mainland, in particular concerning the development of the Pearl River Delta region and regional co-operation. The conference provided a useful reference point for the development of Hong Kong and its role in China.
Professor of Economics of the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Professor Liu Pak-wai; Chief Economist of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, Mr Edward Leung; President of the Chinese Manufacturers' Association of Hong Kong, Dr David Wong; and Dean of School of Business of the Hang Seng Management College, Professor Raymond So; joined the panel discussion session. Head of the CPU, Professor Lau Siu-kai, delivered the concluding remarks at the conference.
About 300 participants, including community leaders, Hong Kong representatives of overseas institutions and government officials, attended the conference.
Ends/Monday, December 13, 2010
Issued at HKT 18:35
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