In support of ongoing efforts to foster closer ties between Hong Kong and ASEAN, the Hong Kong-ASEAN Foundation (HKAF) recently partnered with the Northern Metropolis Co-ordination Office (NMCO) to arrange a field visit to the Northern Metropolis. The delegation comprised nearly 70 Hong Kong-based Consuls-General, chamber representatives, and leaders from the business and academic sectors of ASEAN and other countries. The visit enabled participants to gain insights into the overall planning of the Northern Metropolis and the latest developments, as well as to explore potential opportunities for collaboration in areas such as investment, innovation and technology (I&T), and professional services.
The delegation comprised Consuls-General and chamber representatives in Hong Kong from Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste and Vietnam, as well as consular officials and representatives from Belarus, Canada, Hungary and the United Kingdom. Led by Ms Linda So Wai-sze, Director of the Northern Metropolis Co-ordination Office, the delegation first visited the Hung Shui Kiu/Ha Tsuen New Development Area Community Liaison Centre to learn about the overall planning and progress of the Northern Metropolis and Hung Shui Kiu/Ha Tsuen New Development Area. They then stopped at the visitor centre and wet laboratory at the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park, where they were briefed on developments in I&T. They also visited Long Valley Nature Park to learn about the ongoing efforts to balance development with ecological conservation. The visit concluded at Ming Tak Tong, a historic ancestral hall at Yuen Long, where delegates enjoyed a traditional Hakka dinner and gained a glimpse of local culture and customs.
The visit of the international delegation of such scale and diversity reflects the strong interest from various sectors in the Northern Metropolis. Ms Linda So Wai-sze, Director of the Northern Metropolis Co-ordination Office, said, ‘The Northern Metropolis is an important platform for Hong Kong to fulfil its role of “bringing in and going global” under the national development strategy. International enterprises may use it as a gateway to access the Greater Bay Area and other Chinese Mainland markets, while facilitating the expansion of Chinese Mainland enterprises into overseas markets. With the planning framework largely in place, the Northern Metropolis is now focusing on development delivery and enterprise attraction. The Government has adopted a multi-pronged approach to expedite development and attract business, including dedicated legislation for Northern Metropolis, diversified implementation modes (e.g. large-scale land disposal, and establishing industry park companies), and comprehensive facilitation measures (e.g. preferential policy packages and dedicated project supervision office).’
A member of the delegation, Mr Eric Teo, Consul-General of Singapore in Hong Kong, said: ‘I am pleased to have taken part in this visit and gained deeper insights into the overall planning of the Northern Metropolis. The visit deepened our understanding of the area’s developments in innovation and technology, modern logistics & other sectors as part of its broader industrial positioning and long-term vision. We also learnt about Hong Kong’s determination in advancing this major initiative and its strategic role as a regional connector between the Greater Bay Area and the international community, including the ASEAN region. There is potential for collaboration, including in areas such as smart city development, green technology, and the digital economy, among others. We look forward to the Northern Metropolis’ continued progress and to exploring with relevant stakeholders how ASEAN countries and Hong Kong can deepen practical cooperation in these areas.’
Mr Daryl Ng, Chairman of the Hong Kong-ASEAN Foundation, said, ‘The Northern Metropolis is a key component in Hong Kong’s long-term development. As the first Hong Kong project included in the national 15th Five-Year Plan, it reflects the Central Authorities’ strong support for Hong Kong’s future. Serving as a development base for local and Chinese Mainland enterprises and a hub for innovation and industry, it provides a platform for strengthening collaboration between the international community and the Greater Bay Area. We are grateful to the Hong Kong SAR Government for arranging this visit, which has enabled delegates from different countries to better understand the Northern Metropolis. We are encouraged by the positive response and look forward to working with our ASEAN and international partners to promote the opportunities in the Northern Metropolis and facilitate mutually beneficial cooperation in trade, investment, and I&T.’
The Hong Kong-ASEAN Foundation, together with the Northern Metropolis Co-ordination Office, organised a visit for a delegation of nearly 70 ASEAN and international representatives in Hong Kong to explore development opportunities in the Northern Metropolis.
Ms Linda So Wai-sze (left), Director of the Northern Metropolis Co-ordination Office, briefs the delegation on the overall planning of the Northern Metropolis and the latest developments.
The delegation visits the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park and is briefed by its Chief Executive Officer, Mr Vincent Ma (right), on the area’s I&T infrastructure and development strengths.
Mr Eric Teo (right), Consul-General of Singapore in Hong Kong, exchanges views with fellow delegation members during the visit.
The delegation visits Long Valley Nature Park to learn more about Hong Kong’s efforts to balance urban development with nature conservation.