Jiangsu, Hong Kong to expand cooperation

Jiangsu province will strengthen all-around cooperation with Hong Kong and provide efficient services to Hong Kong-funded enterprises to promote common development and prosperity, a senior provincial official said.

"The province will unswervingly expand opening-up, cultivate the advantages of Jiangsu and Hong Kong and deepen exchanges and cooperation in the fields of economy, trade, science, technology, culture and communication for the young generation," said Fang Wei, vice-governor of Jiangsu, during a celebration of the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Chamber of Commerce in Jiangsu province on Thursday.

"Jiangsu and Hong Kong have a long history of communication and close contacts," Fang said. "Over the years, the cooperation in various fields between the two sides has turned out to be practical and fruitful."

He noted that Hong Kong has become Jiangsu's seventh-largest trading partner, its biggest source of foreign investment and the top destination for investment outside the Chinese mainland.

Jiangsu's use of Hong Kong capital reached $244.05 billion this month, accounting for half the province's actual use of foreign capital. Jiangsu has invested in 2,109 projects in Hong Kong, with an agreed investment of more than $25.5 billion.

Carrie Lam, former chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, said that Hong Kong's enterprises and businesses have contributed to and benefited from the country's development since the start of reform and opening-up.

She expressed hope that the Hong Kong Chamber of Commerce in Jiangsu will continue to be an outstanding platform for communication between Hong Kong and Jiangsu — not only to attract investment but also to boost innovation, science, technology and culture of the young generation.

As nearly 60,000 Hong Kong people are living in Jiangsu, and 34,000 Hong Kong-funded enterprises are located there, she said she hopes the chamber of commerce will provide more opportunities for young people from Hong Kong to work and live in the province.

Founded in August 2012, the Hong Kong Chamber of Commerce in Jiangsu is the first provincial-level Hong Kong business service association approved and registered by the civil affairs department.

Banting Sze, a member of the Standing Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference of Jiangsu province and the newly elected president of the chamber of commerce, said the chamber will serve as a " bridge" and "highway" for integration and common prosperity of Hong Kong and Jiangsu and their governments and enterprises.