Hong Kong urged to be ‘super partner’ in businesses’ overseas expansion push

The Chinese General Chamber of Commerce has urged Hong Kong to become a "super partner" to assist enterprises in expanding their businesses into various overseas markets, including Asean, the Middle East, Central Asia, and Europe. The chamber proposed 65 recommendations to the government, covering Hong Kong's first five-year plan and the city's final policy address during the leader's term.

Jonathan Choi Koon-shum, the chamber's chairman, emphasized that Hong Kong should act as a "superconnector" and "super value-adder" while actively participating in investment and operations. The city boasts over 10,000 enterprises in the Pearl River Delta, a well-managed MTR and airport, and significant capital and investments. Choi suggested transforming Hong Kong into a "super partner" by investing together and positioning itself as such.

The government initiated a two-month public consultation on the city's first five-year blueprint on June 15, aiming to align Hong Kong's development with the national plan. The five-year plan covers various sectors, including the economy, investment, industrial development, land, housing, transport, infrastructure, employment, healthcare, education, and welfare.

Choi proposed an annual review involving a committee to course-correct or accelerate progress based on performance and set "hard indicators" for public responsibilities and major tasks. The chamber also recommended establishing an Islamic infrastructure fund, developing an industrial incubation base for small and medium-sized enterprises, and creating an artificial intelligence certification and litigation arbitration center to position Hong Kong as an AI governance hub.