Hong Kong Commerce and Industry Associations (HKCNIA), incorporated in 1993, is composed of industrial and commercial organizations in all major industrial areas in Hong Kong. It has become a leading force in helping Hong Kong firms and youth integrate into the development of the mainland and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), Lo Kam-yan, president of HKCNIA told Shenzhen Daily in a recent interview.
“There are over 10,000 Hong Kong corporate members in HKCNIA. Among them, about 7,000 are actively involved in businesses in the GBA. So far, HKCNIA has established close strategic partnerships with over 200 cities on the mainland and has set up several cooperation platforms with their partners,” Lo said, adding that the GBA’s rapid development in recent years lured the association to shift its focus back to the GBA, especially to Qianhai.
“Last December, HKCNIA signed a strategic cooperation agreement with Qianhai Authority in establishing a platform to serve Hong Kong companies and people. We hope to bring Hong Kong professionals and small and medium-sized companies to Qianhai, let them explore the immense opportunities in the area, and take root in the development of GBA,” he said.
According to Lo, the new policies Qianhai rolls out every one or two months on benefiting Hong Kong companies and talents are a huge attraction. The expansion of Qianhai’s geographic area has also brought greater business potentials to the area.
“Many Hongkongers have heard about various beneficial policies for them, but they only have a smattering of knowledge about the policies. In this case, we strive to publicize and explain the policies through the HKCNIA’s platforms, and the one we are establishing in Qianhai lets Hong Kong people better understand the business opportunities brought by the policies.”
Lo also mentioned that many young people in Hong Kong have made remarkable achievements in terms of scientific innovation. However, they are not aware of the huge market on the mainland as they haven’t personally experienced the mainland’s development.
“I came to Shenzhen to start a business 28 years ago, and I have personally experienced the tremendous changes and huge business potential of Shenzhen and the GBA. So, I believe young Hong Kong people should seize the opportunity to join in the broader and better development prospect of the GBA,” Lo said.