Guangxi, HK banks, enterprises explore ASEAN markets at talk

Leung Chun-ying delivers a video speech during the event. [Photo/China News Service]

A talk between Guangxi and Hong Kong banks and enterprises on jointly promoting Guangxi's high-quality development was held both online and on-site in Nanning and Hong Kong on June 23.

Guangxi is a major business hinterland of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and a hub for the Greater Bay Area to explore ASEAN markets.

Leung Chun-ying, vice-chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, said in a video speech that Guangxi could make full use of its advantages to cooperate with Hong Kong industrial and commercial sectors in facilitating more cooperation with ASEAN countries and other member countries of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).

The event was also a part of the celebration of the 25th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to China. Leung noted that Guangxi and Hong Kong have been maintaining close exchanges in the past 25 years and that Hong Kong has been Guangxi's largest source of foreign capital for years, with more than 7,500 Hong Kong-funded enterprises seeking development in Guangxi. 

The Bank of China (Hong Kong) has set up a Southeast Asian business operation center in Nanning. Leung suggested that Guangxi and Hong Kong can team up in the trans-regional usage of renminbi in ASEAN countries, facilitating China-ASEAN trade and investment. 

He also suggested that enterprises in Guangxi and Hong Kong take an active part in the construction of China (Guangxi) Pilot Free Trade Zone and the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor, deepening industrial cooperation with ASEAN countries.