Greater Bay Area has 'key role in China's development'

Financial Secretary Paul Chan on Monday said the Greater Bay Area would serve an all-round role in the national development process as the country focused on new quality productive forces and reshaping the economic cycle as part of its 15th Five-Year Plan. He made the remarks at a forum hosted by the Chinese Manufacturers' Association of Hong Kong to look at the opportunities for the SAR in the development blueprint outlined in the five-year plan. The Greater Bay Area, Chan pointed out, is equipped with a complete industrial chain for high-end manufacturing that is supported by the inherent advantages that Hong Kong brings. “The Greater Bay Area, which includes Hong Kong, plays an irreplaceable role on a global scale, combining an international financial centre, a frontline role in artificial intelligence and a high-end manufacturing ecosystem,” he said. “Hong Kong definitely is an international super-connector among the Greater Bay Area cities with both international finance and talent, connecting world-leading research, the mainland’s strong production capacity and global financial network.” The government, Chan said, is also formulating the SAR’s own five-year plan at full speed. The authorities will work with different sectors to explore the priorities, implementation plan and road map for the blueprint, he said. Edited by Tony Sabine