Beijing's Great Hall of the People echoed with applause during the Two Sessions as Chinese Premier Li Qiang reaffirmed unwavering support for the ‘One Country, Two Systems’ principle and emphasized bolstering the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region's (HKSAR) integration into national development strategies. The announcement underscores Beijing’s commitment to leveraging Hong Kong’s unique strengths in finance, innovation, and global connectivity.
Nicholas Chan Hiu-fung, a National People’s Congress deputy and legal professional from Hong Kong, highlighted the city’s potential as a “bridge for collaboration” during an interview. “Hong Kong can catalyze China’s global AI partnerships while maintaining its legal and financial frameworks,” Chan noted. He proposed expanding cross-border AI research hubs and streamlining data-sharing protocols to align with mainland advancements.
Chan’s insights come amid growing global interest in Asia’s AI sector. Hong Kong’s common law system, intellectual property protections, and tech talent pool position it as a strategic partner for multinational firms seeking access to the Chinese mainland’s innovation ecosystem. Analysts suggest this synergy could accelerate breakthroughs in healthcare, fintech, and smart city development.
The discussions align with broader Two Sessions priorities, including stabilizing foreign investment channels and fostering high-tech industrial chains. As Hong Kong navigates post-pandemic recovery, its role in cross-regional collaboration remains pivotal for businesses and researchers eyeing Asia’s digital transformation.
