As Beijing hails untapped Asian partnerships at Boao Forum, Hong Kong vows to do more
‘Backed by the motherland’, Hong Kong’s chief executive vows more integration into nation’s development strategy after vice-premier stresses importance of regional cooperation mechanisms
In the face of trade protectionism and rising global uncertainties, China and the entirety of Asia can find ways to work together, one of China’s high-ranking vice-premiers said, while reiterating support for foreign investors “regardless of external changes”.
Speaking on Thursday at the Boao Forum for Asia, Ding Xuexiang, the sixth-ranked member of China’s Politburo Standing Committee, reaffirmed Beijing’s commitment to propping up the economy with more proactive macro policies and the fostering of emerging industries.
“An important lesson behind Asia’s dynamism and growth potential is its openness,” Ding said. “We should … firmly oppose trade and investment protectionism and make full use of cooperation mechanisms in regions such as East Asia and the Asia-Pacific.”
Ding also reaffirmed that China was “confident” in reaching its annual growth target of “around 5 per cent”, adding it would “undoubtedly make new contributions to the progress of Asia and the world”.
Citing Ding’s speech, Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said that “the more complex and uncertain the external environment, the more steadfast Hong Kong must be in moving forward”.
He added that the city would leverage the unique advantage of being “backed by the motherland and connected to the world” to drive economic growth and further integrate into the nation’s development strategy.
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“Hong Kong will further deepen international cooperation and, together with the nation and other Asian countries, enhance mutual trust and solidarity, openness and connectivity … to drive Asia’s economic development and promote global economic integration,” Lee pledged on his Facebook page on Thursday afternoon.
He also urged the city to adopt a “breakthrough” mindset in advancing reforms; to accelerate the establishment of an international innovation and technology hub; to further strengthen its position as a global financial, shipping and trade centre; and to attract top international talent.