Roundup: China's top legislator stresses Hong Kong's role in Belt and Road Initiative

China's top legislator Zhang Dejiang delivered a speech at the Summit on Belt and Road on Wednesday, emphasizing the importance of Hong Kong's role in the Belt and Road Initiative.

Speaking at the summit, Zhang, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, stated that Hong Kong is the key link for the Belt and Road.

The initiative responds to the call of the times for world peace and development, Zhang said, adding that its development is a profound endeavor to carry forward the historical heritage and jointly create a brighter future.

In designing its 13th Five-Year Plan and the Vision and Actions for the Belt and Road, the central government has made it a major policy to support Hong Kong's participation in the Belt and Road development, Zhang said.

He noted that Hong Kong will be able to make important contribution to Belt and Road because it has advantages in terms of location and professional services; it serves as the first mover of opening and cooperation; and it has advantages gained from cultural and people-to-people interactions.

The central government attaches great importance to Hong Kong's prosperity and stability, and its role in the national strategy, Zhang said, noting the central government will support Hong Kong in building on its existing strengths and exploring new advantages, support closer exchange and cooperation between Hong Kong and the mainland, and support Hong Kong in expanding economic and trade ties with the world.

Zhang encouraged Hong Kong to take more active part in the national development strategy by responding to the Belt and Road Initiative and building a platform of comprehensive services; facilitating capital flows and promoting RMB internationalization and the development of the Belt and Road investment and financing platform.

Furthermore, Hong Kong can help to promote cultural exchanges for greater mutual understanding among the people along the route of the Belt and Road; and deepen cooperation with the mainland and jointly develop markets along the route, he said.

Also speaking at the summit, Hong Kong Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying said the Belt and Road Initiative offers unprecedented opportunities to all the related territories including Hong Kong, and Hong Kong can serve as a "super connector" between the Chinese mainland and the rest of the world.

Leung said the Belt and Road Initiative spans more than 60 countries in Asia, Europe and Africa.

With the combined advantages of "one country, two systems", Hong Kong can serve as a "super connector," he said.

Leung added, in areas such as finance, investment, professional services, trade, logistics, culture, creativity, innovation and technology, Hong Kong's unique "super connector" role can bring together the strengths of Belt and Road economies.

Zhang met Abdulla Maseeh Mohamed, Speaker of People's Majlis of the Maldives and Viktor Guminsky, Deputy Chairman of the House of Representatives of the National Assembly of Belarus respectively. He said China is willing to seek stronger ties with countries along the Belt and Road, and open mutually beneficial collaborations.

Zhang also attended a welcome dinner on Wednesday night.

During his speech delivered at the dinner, he touched upon a series of issues that are related to the "one country, two systems" principle and of concern to the Hong Kong society, namely "localism," the rule of law and development.

Referring to the issue of "localism," Zhang said the love for one's hometown is common and should be respected.

"We should respect the fact that Hong Kong people cherish their own way of life and their own values," he said.

In fact, one of the contents of the "one country, two systems" principle is maintaining Hong Kong's original social and economic system as well as people's way of life, and "Hong Kong people administering Hong Kong" with a high degree of autonomy, he said.

Zhang mentioned that the "one country, two systems" principle is a fundamental state policy and a strategic choice, not a makeshift one. The "one country, two systems," which is widely acclaimed, is the largest denominator between the mainland and Hong Kong and should not be changed. The principle, which is a good, feasible system well tested since Hong Kong's return to the motherland, need not be changed.

As the "one country, two systems" is in the interest of the whole nation, the central government will carry out the principle unswerving so that Hong Kong can rest assured, Zhang stressed.

Zhang also showed his confidence in Hong Kong's future. He said the overall trend of the world's development is beneficial for Hong Kong. Besides, mainland's development has brought about great opportunities for Hong Kong, and Hong Kong's advantage could hardly be replaced.

As long as Hong Kong people could work at their utmost to strive for excellence, seize opportunities by capitalizing on the country's supportive policies, and identify "what the country needs, and what Hong Kong excles at", Hong Kong will surely be able to tap its full potential along with the country's development, said Zhang. Enditem