Chongqing – On Sep. 25, Carrie Lam, the Chief Executive of HKSAR has accepted iChongqing's exclusive interview in English and told us about the potentials and opportunities between Hong Kong and Chongqing. She addressed the regional development topics related to the Chengdu-Chongqing Economic Circle and Guangdong-HongKong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) and gave suggestions and hopes for future cooperation. After the interview, she handwrote her greetings to the Chongqing citizens: hope Chongqing's development step forward, hope Chongqing people good health and happy National Day!
Amazed by the breathtaking night view
This is her first visit to Chongqing as the Chief Executive, the last time she came here was 42 years ago. She was amazed by the breathtaking night view and transformation of the city. She was impressed by the geographical features of Chongqing and found it is similar to Hong Kong; besides, she realized Chongqing is energetic and has a lot of ambition to play a crucial role along the belt and road initiative.
HKSAR could be a platform for Chongqing's enterprises
When talking about the high-end service as Hong Kong's strength, Lam indicated that Financial services are Hong Kong's strongest advantage. "For example, many of the Chongqing companies want to go out internationally, they can use Hong Kong as a place to raise capital or issue bunds for expansion," she said, "I'm sure that Chongqing and Hong Kong could work together closely also in the financial sector."
Chongqing could use GBA to reach wider opportunities
This year marks the opening year of the 14th 5-year plan. Central authorities have given Hong Kong a lot of support. Hong Kong was encouraged to develop into an international innovation and technology center, cultural center, as well as an international aviation hub. On the regional development basis, while Chengdu-Chongqing Economic Circle is approaching its city cluster development, the Guangdong-HongKong-Macao Greater Bay Area is also growing. She suggested that we have opportunities such as logistics to expand the cooperation. "Chongqing could actually look to the greater Bay Area for more services and support, in order to reach out to the rest of the world, particularly the belt and road countries."