​The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, visited Guangzhou today (March 15) and met with leaders of the Guangdong Province and Guangzhou respectively to discuss the deepening of mutual co-operation to speed up high-quality development as well as the economic integration of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA).
 
     ​Mr Chan met with the Governor of Guangdong Province, Mr Wang Weizhong, and the Mayor of the Guangzhou Municipal Government, Mr Guo Yonghang, respectively. During the meetings, Mr Chan said that this year’s "two sessions" were in the year marking the beginning of achieving Chinese modernisation, in which "firmly grasping the top priority task of high-quality development" was much emphasised. Mr Chan said Hong Kong is on the journey of advancing from stability to prosperity, and will actively pursue high-quality development as well as creating strong impetus of economic growth through innovation and technology (I&T) development. Since the current-term Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government assumed office, it has forged a better integration of a "capable government" and an "efficient market", and has strived to spur economic development and improve people’s livelihoods.
 
     Mr Chan pointed out that his recently announced Budget has put up directions of high-quality development. In addition to developing the digital economy, the third generation Internet and international green technology and financial centre, they also include advancing on artificial intelligence and biotechnology. Hong Kong will leverage on I&T to open up new horizons and create new edges.
 
     He also said that there is much room for strengthening co-operation between Guangdong and Hong Kong as the two places work together, combine strengthens and further promote the development of the GBA. Hong Kong will fully leverage its singular advantages under the "one country, two systems" policy, where it enjoys strong support from the motherland and close connection to the world; and join hands with the Guangdong Province, in particular its sister cities in the GBA, on areas such as finance, I&T, green economy and low-carbon transition. By doing so, they will build a world-class and high-quality bay area together. Mr Chan also introduced to Mr Wang and Mr Guo the work of the HKSAR Government, including the specific measures for attracting enterprises and pooling talents.
    
     ​During his trip, Mr Chan also visited the Hema Network Technology Company Limited. He was briefed on how the company has accelerated the delivery of fresh food and products through the application of big data, artificial intelligence and technology in logistics; and the use of facial recognition systems for payment, etc.
 
     Mr Chan also met with a group of Hong Kong young entrepreneurs living in Guangzhou. These entrepreneurs were engaged in various industries including finance, the creative industries, technology, fashion, food and social services. The young entrepreneurs shared the enormous opportunities and development potential in the Mainland, and the challenges encountered in the process of starting their own businesses. Mr Chan expressed appreciation to their perseverance and mutual help rendered to each other, and said that the HKSAR Government will continue to support young people to develop careers and establish businesses in the GBA, and offer assistance in its ability.

Ends/Wednesday, March 15, 2023
Issued at HKT 23:32

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