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Zhang Dejiang

HONG KONG. – China’s top legislator Zhang Dejiang delivered a speech at the Summit on Belt and Road yesterday, emphasising the importance of Hong Kong’s role in the Belt and Road Initiative.

Speaking at the summit, Zhang, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, stated that Hong Kong is the key link for the Belt and Road.

The initiative responds to the call of the times for world peace and development, Zhang said, adding that its development is a profound endeavour to carry forward the historical heritage and jointly create a brighter future.

In designing its 13th Five-Year Plan and the Vision and Actions for the Belt and Road, the central government has made it a major policy to support Hong Kong’s participation in the Belt and Road development, Zhang said.

He noted that Hong Kong will be able to make an important contribution to Belt and Road because it has advantages in terms of location and professional services; it serves as the first mover of opening and cooperation; and it has advantages gained from cultural and people-to-people interactions.

The central government attaches great importance to Hong Kong’s prosperity and stability, and its role in the national strategy, Zhang said, noting the central government will support Hong Kong in building on its existing strengths and exploring new advantages, support closer exchange and cooperation between Hong Kong and the mainland, and support Hong Kong in expanding economic and trade ties with the world.

Zhang encouraged Hong Kong to take more active part in the national development strategy by responding to the Belt and Road Initiative and building a platform of comprehensive services; facilitating capital flows and promoting RMB internationalisation and the development of the Belt and Road investment and financing platform.

Furthermore, Hong Kong can help to promote cultural exchanges for greater mutual understanding among the people along the route of the Belt and Road; and deepen cooperation with the mainland and jointly develop markets along the route, he said.

Also speaking at the summit, Hong Kong chief executive Leung Chun-ying said the Belt and Road Initiative offers unprecedented opportunities to all the related territories including Hong Kong, and Hong Kong can serve as a “super connector” between the Chinese mainland and the rest of the world.

Leung said the Belt and Road Initiative spans more than 60 countries in Asia, Europe and Africa.

With the combined advantages of “one country, two systems”, Hong Kong can serve as a “super connector”, he said.

Leung added, in areas such as finance, investment, professional services, trade, logistics, culture, creativity, innovation and technology, Hong Kong’s unique “super connector” role can bring together the strengths of Belt and Road economies.

Zhang met Abdulla Maseeh Mohamed, Speaker of People’s Majlis of the Maldives and Viktor Guminsky, deputy chairman of the House of Representatives of the National Assembly of Belarus respectively.

He said China is willing to seek stronger ties with countries along the Belt and Road, and open mutually beneficial collaborations. – Xinhua.