Foreign chambers back HK plan, eye Northern Metropolis
The heads of three major international business chambers in Hong Kong have thrown their support behind the city’s inaugural five-year plan, describing it as a powerful signal of "certainty" that will encourage long-term investment and shape the future of the Northern Metropolis. Speaking in a joint interview, the chamber chiefs said the plan's multi-year horizon aligned with how global businesses…
Three major international business chambers in Hong Kong have given their approval to the city's inaugural five-year plan, calling it a strong signal of certainty that will attract long-term investment and outline the direction of the Northern Metropolis. The chamber leaders emphasized that the plan's multi-year timeline suits how global businesses operate and provides a roadmap for Hong Kong's future development.
Mary Simpson, CEO of the Australian Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong, highlighted the real value of the plan in leveraging the city as a "super connector." She explained that the plan integrates Hong Kong's established strengths in finance, law, and logistics into new growth sectors such as artificial intelligence, green technology, and medical technology. She urged businesses not to view Hong Kong merely as a consumer market but as a regional boardroom, capital base, and IP fortress.
Johannes Hack, chairman of the European Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong, stressed that the plan builds upon the city's strong foundation of trust. He highlighted opportunities in sustainability, life sciences, and joint research as key areas for growth. Paul McComb, executive director of the British Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong, noted that businesses typically plan in three-to-five-year cycles, making the plan's time frame particularly valuable.
He emphasized that the plan creates a predictable environment for foreign firms, offering a sense of direction and stability.
In terms of the Northern Metropolis, McComb praised the government's proactive approach to overcoming regulatory challenges and accelerating development. He expressed particular enthusiasm for the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park, which he saw as a positive early indicator of progress. However, the chambers stressed that for international capital to invest, the vision must be backed by tangible results.
Simpson emphasized that the Northern Metropolis should not merely be an extensive real estate project but an economic engine that brings together universities, technology firms, and healthcare sectors. She stressed that if the government can align this ambitious vision with concrete demonstration projects, investment will undoubtedly follow.
Hack pointed out that awareness of the Northern Metropolis and the broader Greater Bay Area remains relatively low among European business leaders. He advocated for the creation of "lighthouse projects" that showcase real progress to European investors. He explained that such projects would clearly demonstrate why the Northern Metropolis is an attractive destination, whether it's for developing specific technologies, hosting pharmaceutical breakthroughs, or establishing new businesses.
Written by urgent.news from RTHK English's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
