Opinion

Hong Kong is the key to stronger China-Asean ties

As opportunities for cooperation between China and Asean grow, Hong Kong can benefit from its long-standing ties with both

Hong Kong has the infrastructure and expertise to facilitate trade, investment and cultural changes between the two

4-MIN READ4-MIN

A Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) forum on trade cooperation is held in Qingdao, China, on July 28. Hong Kong has applied to join the RCEP, which includes both China and all 10 Asean nations. Photo: Xinhua

Daryl Ng is chairman of Sino Group and the founding chairman of the Hong Kong-Asean Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation promoting and deepening ties between Hong Kong and Asean to build a community of shared future to reinforce Hong Kong’s international position and support future growth.

Published: 7:30am, 20 Nov 2022

In his speech on the 25th anniversary of Hong Kong’s return to China, President Xi Jinping affirmed the central government’s support for Hong Kong “in maintaining its unique status and strengths... and in expanding smooth and convenient linkages with the rest of the world”.

This sentiment perfectly applies to Hong Kong’s role and future development as the nexus of China-Asean relations.

Hong Kong is strategically located on the route connecting mainland China with the world’s fastest-growing market, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean). The city is also one of the few places with long-standing, robust connections with both.

Stepping up to the role of a super connector would aid Hong Kong in an age of shifting supply chains and strategic re-industrialisation. Call it Hong Kong 2.0. The key is to harness advanced global, regional, and technological forces.