□ Article/Journalist Zeng Rui

Hong Kong will continue to serve as a bridge between the mainland and the rest of the world An interview with Miss Pamela Lam, Director of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Of fi ce in Chengdu of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region

□ Article/Journalist Zeng Rui

The July 1 of this year marks the 20th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to the motherland. Celebration activities,themed “Together • Progress • Opportunity”, were held in many cities including Chongqing, Chengdu and Guiyang.“Romantic Classic” cello recital by Hong Kong-born cellist Trey Lee was held recently in Chongqing as one of the celebration activities. Hong Kong, after its return to the motherland, is becoming more vibrant. What impacts can Hong Kong bring to Chongqing who is committed to constructing “inland opening-up highland”? On August 15, our journalist conducted an interview with Miss Pamela Lam, Director of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Of fi ce in Chengdu of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) for the relevant topics.

Celebration activities themed “Together •Progress • Opportunity” were held for the 20th anniversary of Hong Kong’s return to the Motherland

To commemorate the 20th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to the Motherland, celebration activities with the theme of “Together • Progress • Opportunity” were held in many cities in the Mainland. Miss Pamela Lam introduced that the theme “Together • Progress• Opportunity” represented the binding and driving force that propels the strength and prosperity of the motherland and Hong Kong in building a better future together. She further explained that “togetherness”meant how Hong Kong people help each other,contribute to the country, and enrich and expand the extensive network of international connections within Hong Kong and abroad; “Progress” represented the potential of Hong Kong. In the past two decades,"one country, two systems" has been successfully implemented. Hong Kong has attained achievements in many fi elds such as economic and social development,sports and cultural pursuits, green living, heritage protection and care for the underprivileged. In future,Hong Kong will continue to make the best use of its strengths and abilities and strive for advancement.“Opportunity” referred that the HKSAR Government,through its institutional setup, policies and actions,will play an important role enabling opportunity and empowering individuals and business to pursue their goals.

Miss Pamela Lam introduced that in addition to the“Romantic Classic” cello recital by Hong Kong-born cellist Trey Lee, the Chongqing Liaison Unit of the HKSAR Government will also hold a gala dinner in celebration of the 20th anniversary of the establishmentof the HKSAR on September 7 and organise "Together• Progress • Opportunity – Roving Exhibition in Celebration of the 20th Anniversary of the Return of Hong Kong to the Motherland” from September 8 to 17 in Chongqing China Three Gorges Museum.

Cooperation between Chongqing and Hong Kong shows potentials

Miss Pamela Lam introduced that Hong Kong has frequent exchange with Chongqing in many aspects.As at end June 2017, enterprises from Hong Kong has invested 2862 projects with total investment over 330 billion yuan in Chongqing. By the end of 2016, 13 enterprises from Chongqing were listed in Hong Kong with a total market value of over 36 billion yuan and 95 enterprises from Chongqing fi led to set up in Hong Kong with total investment over 20 billion yuan.

Miss Pamela Lam mentioned that in view of the development opportunities in Chongqing and its unique position in the Western region, the HKSAR Government set up a dedicated liaison unit in Chongqing. She hoped that there would be more cooperation in the areas of economic and trade, culture, technological innovation and youth between the two cities. She also indicated that Hong Kong business sectors were interested in the development of Chongqing. Only from January to June 2017, the Chongqing Liaison Unit of the HKSAR Government received three delegations from Hong Kong concerning multiple-transportation logistics, auto manufacturing, vehicular network andyouth entrepreneurship in Chongqing.

In addition, the China (Chongqing) Pilot Free Trade Zone established on 1 April 2017 has drawn much attention from the Hong Kong business sectors.At the same time, the Pilot Free Trade Zone also suggested that the experiences from Hong Kong and Macau concerning financial services, consultation,international trade network and risk management will be valuable in its development.

The Of fi ce, on behalf of the HKSAR Government,communicates with different sectors in the mainland

The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Chengdu of the HKSAR Government was established in 2006. Its main functions include enhancing HKSAR Government's liaison and communication with the six provinces/municipality/autonomous region (Sichuan,Chongqing, Guizhou, Shaanxi, Qinghai and Tibet)under its coverage, facilitating exchange and cooperation in economic and trade as well as other aspects between Hong Kong and the six provinces/municipality/autonomous region. promoting Hong Kong to residents of the Mainland. The Office also keeps contact with different groups of Hong Kong residents living, working or studying in the area concerned,provides substantial assistance to Hong Kong residents in need of help in the Mainland and provides HKSAR passport replacement service for eligible applicants with a valid HKSAR permanent identity card.

As for its functions and orientation, Miss Pamela Lam expressed that the Of fi ce is a department of the HKSAR Government in which staff from Hong Kong are civil servants. She also pointed out that economic and trade represented a signi fi cant part of the Of fi ce.She said, “We observe the economic and trade policies in the mainland and share the relevant information with Hong Kong business sectors. We also focus on understanding the business environment in the mainland.”

Hong Kong provides a platform for the mainland enterprises “going out”

Hong Kong has been rated the world's freest economy by the Heritage Foundation for 23 consecutive years.Hong Kong is a leading international financial centre and a premier logistics hub in the world. Coupled with the experience of professionals in fi nancing, logistics,legal, construction and more, Hong Kong can offer strong support in providing professional services to companies in the mainland in the process of “going out”.

Hong Kong is a global, open market that allows the free flow of capital, goods and information. Miss Pamela Lam shared that Hong Kong could provide an effective platform for the mainland companies to “go out”.

Background

The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Chengdu (CDETO) of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region was established in 2006. Its main functions include enhancing HKSAR Government's liaison and communication with the six provinces/municipality/autonomous region(Sichuan, Chongqing, Guizhou, Shaanxi, Qinghai and Tibet) under the coverage of the CDETO; facilitating exchange and co-operation in economic and trade as well as other aspects between Hong Kong and the six provinces/municipality/autonomous region; promoting Hong Kong to residents of the Mainland; and providing practical assistance to Hong Kong residents in distress in the six provinces/municipality/autonomous region.

In view of the development opportunities in Chongqing and its unique position in the Western region, the HKSAR Government proposed to set up a dedicated liaison unit in Chongqing. The Chongqing Liaison Unit began to operate in January 2012.

（The pictures are provided by Hong Kong Economic and Trade Of fi ce in Chengdu of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region )