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Pearl River Delta
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|
 At
a January seminar entitled “New Era of the Pearl River Delta (PRD): Further
Integration with the World Economy”, the HKSAR Chief Executive, Mr Tung Chee
Hwa, outlined the business trends and leadership objectives which are the
basis of an aggressive platform for forging stronger links between Hong Kong
and the PRD.
“The complementary strengths of Hong Kong and the rest of the PRD have
combined to produce phenomenal growth,” said Mr Tung. That partnership is
set to continue, he said. With the highest per capita income on the
Mainland, the PRD’s 40-million strong population presents an enormous
opportunity for Hong Kong business. And, as the PRD becomes increasingly
sophisticated, there is a growing need for Hong Kong’s professional
services.
“In today’s competitive world, a stand-alone city economy cannot compete
effectively,” said Mr Tung. “A regional economy pooling the strength of the
cities in the region is the way forward.”
His view is shared by leaders throughout the Guangdong province and Macao.
“I have found a marked convergence of views,” said Mr Tung. “Among the other
cities of the PRD, there is a realization that Hong Kong’s competitive
advantages as a world-class centre of finance, business and logistics are
irreplaceable, and are valuable assets to the region as a whole.”
“Our vision is to develop the PRD into an internationally competitive major
economic region,” said Mr Tung. This region would comprise a manufacturing
base with new technology inputs, as well as a principal provider of modern
services to China and Asia.
To achieve this vision, the HKSAR Government and Guangdong leaders will
explore new areas of co-operation in the financial sector, in professional
services, in improving market regulation and in education. Regional
infrastructure projects, such as a bridge linking Hong Kong to Macao, and
new modes of communication, will also be explored.
In describing the cosmopolitan outlook for the PRD, Mr Tung said: “The
purpose of our initiatives in the PRD is to bring the whole region to the
world, and the world to the region.”
Talking about the clear opportunity presented by developments in the PRD, Mr
Tung assured seminar participants: “We are in the right place, and we have
the right people with knowledge both of China and the world. We are in an
enviable position. We have the formula for success. We shall join hands to
achieve it.”
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