Remarks by Ir Dr the Honourable Raymond Ho Chung-tai, MBE, JP on the motion on

 “Promoting Pan-Pearl River Delta

regional cooperation and development”

at the Legislative Council meeting

on 30 June 2004

Madam President,

In early June, Hong Kong signed the Pan-Pearl River Delta Regional Cooperation Framework Agreement with Macau and nine Mainland provinces to enhance regional integration.  It marks a milestone in Hong Kong’s economic history.  I believe that the Agreement will provide Hong Kong with opportunities for economic recovery and long-term growth.

Geographically, Hong Kong is a small city with limited natural resources.  It relies on the Mainland for what it lacks such as water and food.  Moreover, compared with national markets, although Hong Kong has a high population density, its local market is very small.  To sustain its economic development and satisfy its future needs, it must expand outward.  Provinces in the vicinity of Hong Kong are obviously good starting points.  It was just what I recommended some years back when I urged the government to speed up the decision on whether or not to build the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge.  Since the Pan-Pearl River Delta Region account for about one fifth of China’s territory and population and total gross domestic product, it provides a huge potential market to Hong Kong.  I believe that the regional cooperation will help it achieve long-term growth.

Hong Kong has been in economic doldrums for a number of years.  Our government should grasp this opportunity to help various industries revive.  Since the Agreement highlights cooperation in 10 areas, namely infrastructure, industry and investment, tourism, commerce and trade, labour and manpower, agriculture, information technology, science and culture, environmental protection, and health, I hope that the government will offer support to the private firms coming from these areas accordingly to capitalize on the opportunity provided by the regional cooperation.  For example, setting up a liaison centre to facilitate communication between Hong Kong and other members of the Agreement, and building more highways to facilitate transportation which is essential to the tourist industry as well as logistics development. 

Hong Kong’s economy is recovering.  I hope that people can focus more of their efforts on reviving Hong Kong’s economy, and that they can capitalize on the competitive advantages of the member provinces to create business opportunities in Hong Kong and cultivate more business opportunities in the Mainland.  Only by doing so will the unemployment rate be lowered and young professionals have bright career prospects.

Madam President, I so submit.  Thank you.