Hong Kong Young Writers Anthologies Non-Fiction 2020complete | Page 111

mission is encompassed by six basic principles: to be driven by innovation and led by reform, to coordinate
development and plan holistically, to pursue green development and ecological conservation, to open up
inter-regional cooperation to achieve a win-win outcome, to share the benefits of development and
improve people’s livelihood and to adhere to the “ One Country, Two Systems ” whilst acting in
accordance with the law. Finally, with these principles, Hong Kong has set several goals: to develop as an
international innovation and technology hub, to expedite infrastructural connectivity, form a globally
competitive modern industrial system, to take charge in ecological conservation, to raise their quality of life,
strengthen cooperation and involvement in the Belt and Road Initiative as well as developing cooperation
between Guangdong and Macau.
As for Macau, their government has set its sights upon developing into a world-class tourism and leisure
centre along being a commercial trading service platform between China and Portuguese speaking countries.
Through this, they hope Macau will develop into an area of diversified economies where the mainstream
Chinese culture and diverse cultures coexist. Due to the Macau SAR having close relations with Portugal -
both sides maintaining closer cultural, financial and legal exchanges - Macau possesses unique advantages in
becoming a commercial trading hub for Portuguese speaking countries, and along with the aid from the
mainland, will be able to break the constraints of being a micro-island economy. Furthermore, by pursuing
economic diversification as a long-term development goal, Macau has honed in on nurturing emerging
industries which will provide more avenues for their economy.
While both Special Administrative Regions stand to benefit from an integrated economy, it does not come
without its potential challenges. Despite the importance placed on integration, research fellow Martin
Chorzempa at the Peterson Institute for International Economics in Washington has been quoted saying
“An enormous amount of red tape related to transport, customs, immigration will need to be cut to make it
actually easy to move people, goods and money between these areas.” This challenge for the region with its
different customs, legal systems and public services can already be found in the Hong Kong - Shenzhen
Express Rail Link customs arrangement. China will lease the “Mainland Port Area” from Hong Kong -
with this area compromising of the Chinese section of immigration and customs, the waiting hall for
departure as well as all platforms and trains. And within this area, full Chinese law, both criminal and civil
will prevail, even though physically located on Hong Kong soil. With some concern already about the “One
Country, Two Systems” framework in place, passengers being able to complete both the Hong Kong and
Chinese clearance procedures under one roof has raised red flags for Hong Kong’s Special Administrative
Region status, along with its economic freedom.
Furthermore, while the initiative is for the bay area to work together to become an innovation and financial
hub, this goal could be impeded by regional economic rivalry which has been a prevalent concern in recent
years. With the underlying notion that helping other minor cities’ progress will, in turn, hurt their own
long-term interests, Hong Kong or Macau could be less inclined to offer their full assistance. Moreover, in
the agenda stated by Beijing’s leading group, it has not been said how economic rivalry could be mitigated,
which causes concerns as to the major cities as to whether they should fully commit.
The Greater Bay Area Initiative is ambitious, it's unrefined and has lofty goals, no matter how you look at it.
However, it is that precise reason that makes this vision for the future so attractive. It takes an incredible
amount of ingenuity and desire to break conventions in order to succeed and rival global cities; even with
the shortfall of its expectations versus the current reality, this willingness shown is what is required to
progress. By focusing on the future entrepreneurs and innovators of the region, improving interregional
connectivity and utilising the strengths of the major and minor cities involved the Greater Bay Area
Initiative is the correct step forward in China’s long journey of economic reform and liberalisation.