Beijing official voices high hopes for Hong Kong efforts to promote national opening-up

Beijing has “high hopes” for Hong Kong’s efforts to showcase a market economy, promote institutional reform and pioneer new initiatives under the country’s opening-up agenda, a central government official overseeing the city’s affairs has said.

Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office executive deputy director Zhou Ji expressed his confidence in the city during the launch of the 27th Beijing-Hong Kong Economic Cooperation Symposium on Friday.

The event aims to bring together mainland and Hong Kong officials to discuss technology and finance opportunities.

Zhou discussed the resolution from the third plenum of the Communist Party of China’s 20th Central Committee, saying it underscored Hong Kong’s unique advantages and that the city bore “the high hopes and trust of the central government”.

“[Beijing] hopes that Hong Kong will continue to play a leading role in business investment, a demonstration role in the market economy, a boosting role in institutional reforms, a bridging role in two-way opening up and a pilot role in pioneering initiatives,” he told attendees.