[Explanation] A few days ago, Li Xiuheng, chairman of the Hong Kong Chamber of Commerce and Industry and chairman of Jinbao International Group, said in an exclusive interview with a reporter from China News Agency that the "14th Five-Year Plan" announced by the National People's Congress in March 2021 pointed out the development direction of Hong Kong in the future. .
In the first year of the "14th Five-Year Plan", Hong Kong will usher in a new "golden period".
[Explanation] Hong Kong businessman Li Xiuheng, known as the "watch king", has been in the watch industry for decades. He was once the chairman of the Chinese Manufacturers' Association of Hong Kong, one of the four major chambers of commerce in Hong Kong.
As a Hong Kong native who has been in business for most of his life, Li Xiuheng has witnessed the "golden age" of different periods in Hong Kong's business history.
[Concurrent] Li Xiuheng, Chairman of the Hong Kong Chamber of Commerce and Industry
(Last century) New immigrants from the Mainland came to (Hong Kong) in the 1970s. The labor (cost) was very low, so many overseas companies came to Hong Kong to set up factories, so (this is) our first golden age.
In the early stage of reform and opening up, there were "three to one supplement", joint ventures and cooperation, we can move the production part to the inland, so (this is) the second golden period.
(Last century) What was the 90s?
The living (standard) of the mainland has improved, and then its own market has been opened up. Therefore, Hong Kong was export-oriented at the beginning, and now we can also have domestic sales.
(Hong Kong) has returned. In 1997, Hong Kong was different. Mainland companies started to come to Hong Kong, which stimulated a lot of our economy.
In the future, tourists from the mainland have come to travel freely again, so the development of our tourism tertiary industry is very strong.
[Explanation] In Li Xiuheng's view, every take-off of Hong Kong's economy in the past is closely related to the pulse of the country's development.
Today, the country and Hong Kong are facing new situations and facing new opportunities. The "14th Five-Year" plan is one word, drawing a new blueprint for Hong Kong.
From supporting Hong Kong to upgrade its international financial, shipping, and trade centers, to strengthening the functions of a global offshore RMB business hub, international asset management center, and risk management center, Li Xiuheng believes that the only way to actively connect with the 14th Five-Year Plan and recognize its own position. Only Hong Kong's economy can open up a broader space for development.
[Concurrent] Li Xiuheng, Chairman of the Hong Kong Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Hong Kong is a fund-raising center and financial center. The country’s enterprises have risen so sharply. It needs huge funds. Then, where the funds come, Hong Kong can be listed. More than half of our stock market is supported by mainland companies. They came to the market, and we have a very good financing channel.
Many overseas companies have established overseas offices and overseas headquarters in Hong Kong. Because of our low taxes and our very good legal system, they are attracted to Hong Kong.
[Explanation] In the showroom of Li Xiuheng Company, exquisite cultural relics and works of art can be seen everywhere, such as Ru kiln small plates in the Song Dynasty, blue and white porcelain vases in the Wanli period of the Ming Dynasty, and flower-patterned large cylinders in the Qianlong period of the Qing Dynasty. Collection.
Outside of business, Li Xiuheng loves culture.
He bluntly said that the "14th Five-Year Plan" outline for the first time to include Hong Kong's cultural status in the national plan is of great significance.
He said that Hong Kong also has unique advantages in developing cultural undertakings.
[Concurrent] Li Xiuheng, Chairman of the Hong Kong Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Because Hong Kong is uniquely endowed by nature.
Now you see, the Hong Kong Museum of History and Art Museum are all being renovated, and then our cultural center and cultural district in West Kowloon have also been developed, and then there is also the Forbidden City.
On the other hand, there are now many cultural venues in the Greater Bay Area, so our Hong Kong art troupe, our theater troupe, many art performances and art exhibitions are available (go to show), so I think this development is quite big in the future.
[Commentary] Li Xiuheng said frankly that Hong Kong today is facing a huge historical opportunity.
He said that he hopes that the SAR government and all sectors of society will reach a consensus, actively link up with the "14th Five-Year Plan", and promote Hong Kong, the "Pearl of the Orient," to shine again.
Reporter Fan Siyi reports from Hong Kong
Editor in charge: 【Luo Pan】