Zhang Dejiang (C), chairman of the Standing Committee of China's National People's Congress, attends the opening ceremony of the Belt and Road Summit in Hong Kong, south China, May 18, 2016. (Photo: Xinhua/Pang Xinglei)
China's top legislator Zhang Dejiang said Wednesday that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) has its unique advantages for participation in the Belt and Road Initiative.
"This summit on the Belt and Road takes place in Hong Kong not only because Hong Kong is a Special Administrative Region of China, but also because it is a key link for the Belt and Road," Zhang told the Belt and Road Summit sponsored by the Hong Kong SAR government.
In designing its 13th Five-Year Plan and the Vision and Actions for the Belt and Road, the central government has made it a major policy to support Hong Kong's participation in the Belt and Road development, said Zhang, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress.
Hong Kong will be able to make important contribution to this endeavor as it has its own geographic and cultural advantages, he said.
The Hong Kong SAR also serves as a first mover in opening-up and cooperation and a professional service hub, Zhang added.
The Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road Initiative, proposed by China in 2013, is aimed at reviving the ancient trade routes that span Asia, Africa and Europe.
In terms of maritime transport, Hong Kong sits on the busiest international sea route and boasts developed port economy. It is also an important gateway in the landscape of China's opening-up, Zhang said.
On the land, Hong Kong is next to Guangdong province. With modern means of connectivity, Hong Kong has easy, efficient and economic access to China's mainland, thus serves as a hub of transportation and international communication. In terms of air transport, Hong Kong has the world's busiest international airport, topping the list in passenger and goods transport.
"Hong Kong borders on the Pearl River Delta, one of the three economic growth poles of China and the pioneer of China's institutional and structural reform and the country's pursuit of innovation-driven development," Zhang said.
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