On 2 August 2023, the Symposium on Unleashing Hong Kong’s Prosperity was held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. The event was guided by the SAR Government and the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in Hong Kong, and co-organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council and several leading chambers of commerce in Hong Kong, including the Hong Kong Chinese Importers’ and Exporters’ Association (HKCIEA). John Lee Ka-chiu, Chief Executive, and Zheng Yanxiong, Director of the Liaison Office, were invited to attend the event and deliver speeches. Also attending the symposium were about 200 people, including government officials and representatives of Hong Kong, foreign and mainland Chinese businesses and delegates of chambers of commerce.

As the representative of the event organiser, HKCIEA President Pui Kwan-kay sat at the main table and welcomed the distinguished guests. Vice President and Honorary Secretary Wan Hang-ping led HKCIEA to show great support for the event. Vice President Paul Leung Yuk-hung gave a speech on behalf of HKCIEA. Other Vice Presidents, namely Jimmy Wong Chi-ho, David Ho Chi-ho, Eddy Li Sau-hung, Andrew Chan Shiu-shan and Kenneth Chan Kin-nin, Vice Honorary Secretaries Bryon Wong Tsz-wan and Sophia Lee Shuk-woon, Executive Directors Kenneth Lee Fung-Nin and Marcella Cheung Man-ka, and Directors Lilianna Au Yim-lung, Gary Ng Kwong, Benson Chu and Luna Shen attended the event.

Chief Executive John Lee said that Hong Kong should take the initiative to align itself with the national development strategy and integrate itself into the overall development of the country. Internationally, the city has to take advantage of its ability to shape narratives and tell Hong Kong’s good stories. He added that Hong Kong has a population of seven million, and every person is the strongest member of the “Hong Kong team” and a source of energy driving Hong Kong’s prosperity.

Mr. Zheng Yanxiong stressed that if everyone “doesn’t argue and scrap internally” but finds common ground, forges a new consensus, and makes good use of platforms provided by the country, such as the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area and the Belt and Road initiative, then Hong Kong will be able to carve out an increasingly broader path as it transitions to order and advances to prosperity.

Following the meeting, a ceremony was held for the signing of 15 collaborative projects, which involved development of the Greater Bay Area, joined efforts to develop Belt and Road projects, and development of the Northern Metropolis, smart cities, green finance and innovative technologies.