Since its establishment in 2013, the Economic Development Commission and its four working groups have been providing visionary direction and advice on the overall strategy and policy to broaden Hong Kong’s economic base and to enhance Hong Kong’s economic growth and development.  The former Secretary for Development, as an ex-officio member of both the Commission and the Working Group on Professional Services, led a delegation to visit Myanmar in 2015 to learn about the local infrastructure, ports development as well as the business operation of Hong Kong businessmen in Myanmar, so as to understand the demand for professional services in countries along the Belt and Road.  Last week (26 February to 3 March), I led a delegation comprising members of the Working Group and industry practitioners to visit Cambodia and Indonesia in the capacity of the Secretary for Development to explore the feasibility of developing infrastructure and other projects in co-operation with local enterprises.  I hope to share with you some of my thoughts about this fruitful trip.

To enhance exchange and promote Hong Kong

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is one of the most important regions along the Belt and Road, often attracting enterprises from all over the world to compete for local investment and development. Urbanisation of the ASEAN countries is advancing rapidly, and hence, the demand for infrastructure, real estate development and related services is very strong.  Cambodia and Indonesia are important member states of ASEAN.  After six days of visit, we have gained a better understanding of the infrastructure, real estate and professional services of the two places. At the same time, we have also briefed the two places on the competitive edges of the relevant professional services in Hong Kong, including our management experiences on large-scale projects and international perspective, as well as the ability to perform the role as the super-connector between the Mainland and the rest of the world.

I gather that it is not easy for Cambodia to rebuild the country after years of warfare. There is much room for improvement in the provision of basic facilities such as water, electricity, roads and transportation. The Cambodian government has been adopting a positive attitude and an open mind in solving the livelihood problems. Whilst establishing systems and legal framework, the Cambodian government has been encouraging private enterprises’ participation in housing development and transport infrastructure which are urgently needed by the people, and inviting other investment to set up factories. These measures, which help  create more employment opportunities, also demonstrate the determination of the local government to promote economic growth and improve people's livelihood.

Our second stop was Indonesia. Being the largest economy among the 10 ASEAN countries, Indonesia has a close business relationship with Hong Kong. Indonesia not only is the ASEAN country with the highest population, but also with the highest Gross Domestic Product. Although the local economy used to rely on mines and natural resources, the Indonesian government has been actively promoting infrastructure to enhance competiveness as mineral prices plunged in recent years. Industrial parks were set up to boost the manufacturing industry and attract investments. A large number of flats were also built to cater for the people’s needs. Efforts over the past few years have begun to bear fruit, but there are still huge demands for infrastructure, housing and related professional services. That is why Hong Kong professionals will have plenty of room to unleash their potentials in Indonesia. I hope our delegates can maintain close contacts with their Indonesian counterparts to explore co-operation opportunities following this visit.

Great oaks from little acorns grow. A country’s well-developed infrastructure will serve as a cornerstone that helps promote its economic and livelihood activities. Despite that Hong Kong is a mature economy, there are keen demands for infrastructure and housing. We have to continue our investment in infrastructure in order to enhance our competitive edge and improve people’s livelihood.

Similarly, if cordial relations can be built between people and among   regions, our strengths can complement each other and achieve a win-win situation. I believe the visits to Cambodia and Indonesia have laid a sound foundation for further expedition of the two local markets, facilitating a closer connection and prosperous development in the area of infrastructure, real estate and professional services. Last but not least, I would like to attribute the success of the trip to the active participation of our delegation members and the full assistance rendered by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council and the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Jakarta. They have my heartfelt thanks.