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The Shenzhen-Hong Kong Co-operation Forum, jointly organised by the Central Policy Unit (CPU) of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), the Shenzhen Special Economic Zone Research Association and the China Development Institute of Shenzhen, was held at the China Development Institute in Shenzhen today (August 3).
The Forum was initiated by the research institutions of Shenzhen and Hong Kong, with the objective of promoting co-operation between the two places in a pragmatic manner. Around 100 participants from Hong Kong and Shenzhen, including business representatives, academics, professionals and government officials, were invited to join the Forum.
The Chief Secretary for Administration of the HKSAR, Mr Rafael Hui, and the Mayor of Shenzhen, Mr Xu Zongheng, provided congratulatory messages for the Forum. The Head of the CPU, Professor Lau Siu-kai, and the Chairman of the Shenzhen Special Economic Zone Research Association, Mr Li Hao, delivered opening addresses at the Forum.
In his message, Mr Hui said that the economies of Hong Kong and Shenzhen had been closely linked to each other. Hong Kong and Shenzhen were the most significant economic partners in the Mainland, offering the widest range of services and the strongest international links. It was the consensus of the Governments of the HKSAR and Shenzhen to promote mutually beneficial co-operation led by research collaboration. The successful holding of the Forum marked a significant step in fostering mutual exchanges and innovative ways of co-operation in a pragmatic manner.
Mr Xu pointed out in his message that against the background of globalisation and integration of regional economies, Hong Kong and Shenzhen shared long-term interests and faced the same opportunities and challenges. The Forum would have a positive influence on the further deepening of co-operation between the two places.
"Over the past two decades or so, the co-operation between Shenzhen and Hong Kong has set an excellent example and laid an important foundation for further integration of the two economies. To speed up the two-way flow of people, goods and capital between Hong Kong and Shenzhen, both sides should take a market-oriented approach and endeavour to eliminate institutional and policy obstacles," said Professor Lau in his opening address.
"The Forum can develop into an important mechanism for research collaboration between Hong Kong and Shenzhen, and will continue to promote exchanges and co-operation between the two places," he added.
Mr Li said in the Forum: "Co-operation between Hong Kong and Shenzhen should follow a step-by-step approach and tackle the more straightforward issues as a matter of priority, until we reach a satisfactory outcome. The Forum provides a platform for candid exchange of views between professionals, academics, government officials and entrepreneurs of both sides, where they can explore problems on all fronts, forge consensus and strengthen co-operation in a practical manner."
During the Forum, participants had in-depth discussions in six priority research areas, namely, Shenzhen-Hong Kong logistics, headquarters economy, Shenzhen-Hong Kong living zone, technology and innovation, financial sector and creative industry co-operation. The views put forward and the recommendations made on areas of Shenzhen-Hong Kong co-operation requiring further investigation will be submitted to both governments for consideration and study.
Ends/Thursday, August 3, 2006
Issued at HKT 22:51
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