Xia Baolong calls for greater integration with Hengqin

Xia Baolong, director of the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office of the Central Committee and the State Council, continued his six-day inspection tour of the city, with a series of key visits and meetings focused on economic diversification and regional integration.
At approximately 9 a.m. yesterday, Xia arrived at The Complex of Commerce and Trade Co-operation Platform for China and Portuguese-speaking Countries, where he was welcomed by Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai.

There, Xia held discussions with representatives from the business community, emphasizing the critical role of Hengqin in the SARs’ future development.

Secretary for Economy and Finance Anton Tai Kin Ip reported Xia’s encouragement for Hong Kong and Macau entrepreneurs after the meeting to local media.

He stated, “Director Xia also hopes that entrepreneurs from the business community in Macau and Hong Kong are full of confidence in economic development.”

He maintained his confidence in economic growth, saying, “We must strengthen our confidence, invest in Hong Kong and Macau, develop the economy, give full play to Hong Kong and Macau’s own advantages, and further expand opening up to the outside world.” Tai quoted Xia as saying, “Only struggle can win development.”

Following the meeting, Xia engaged in a nearly three-hour seminar with about 20 representatives from various local industrial and commercial sectors.

They met with Xia to share their perspectives on the existing economic conditions.
Secretary for Administration and Justice André Cheong reiterated Xia’s directive that “Macau should take the development of Hengqin as its own business,” stressing Hengqin’s crucial role in Macau’s “appropriate economic diversification.”

Cheong added that the government plans to allocate more resources to support Hengqin’s development through a dedicated working group established earlier this year.

Other local leaders echoed Xia’s messages. Fu Jianguo, president of the Macau Chinese Enterprises Association, noted Xia’s encouragement to improve livelihoods, promote youth entrepreneurship, and advance economic diversification.

Xia’s visit also included a tour of the Macau University of Tourism, where he interacted with students and encouraged youth to contribute to the Greater Bay Area’s development. Nadia Shaw