Like Shenzhen, the Northern Metropolis is animated by the spirit of experimentation
At the heart of Hong Kong’s first five-year plan lies the Northern Metropolis – a massive tract of land spanning roughly a third of our entire city. Much ink has been spilled over what this project represents and why it matters, but if I had to summarise it in a single sentence, I would call it the “Shenzhen of Hong Kong”. To me, Shenzhen stands as the most miraculous growth story on Earth.…
Hong Kong's Northern Metropolis, a vast area of the city, has been likened to the transformative Shenzhen in the Chinese Special Administrative Region. Much like Shenzhen, the Northern Metropolis is a beacon of experimentation and growth. Both regions emerged from a shared political ideology, yet their distinct histories and circumstances provide valuable lessons in how to navigate the complexities of modern economic development.
Deng Xiaoping's groundbreaking proposal to create special economic zones in Shenzhen, Zhuhai, and Shantou in 1979 proved to be a game-changing move for China. These zones were granted the freedom to learn from Western economic best practices and functioned as both test beds and inspiration for the rest of the country. The swift implementation of these zones helped stabilize the economy and ultimately sparked an unprecedented economic boom.
Hong Kong, now facing a similar crossroads, recognizes the potential of the Northern Metropolis as a special zone within its boundaries. This experimental zone allows for the introduction of innovative regulatory approaches, a seamless technology ecosystem, and the freer movement of capital, data, and people. By testing these ideas in a controlled environment, Hong Kong can avoid the lengthy debates and adjustments that would be required if these changes were implemented city-wide.
The Northern Metropolis embodies the pragmatic core of Chinese statecraft – prioritizing tangible results over ideological dogmatism. It encourages flexibility and adaptability while maintaining vigilance against undermining the fundamental principles that hold society together. Hong Kong's Northern Metropolis is a testament to the effectiveness of methodical planning and the balance between top-down guidance and bottom-up innovation.
By drawing inspiration from Shenzhen's remarkable success, Hong Kong can navigate its own path to growth and prosperity while preserving its unique identity and the "one country, two systems" framework.
Written by urgent.news from South China Morning Post - Hong Kong's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
