On October 14, 2024, the Shanghai-Hong Kong Cooperation and Development Forum took place in Shanghai, bringing together experts and scholars from both regions to delve into the theme of “Shanghai-Hong Kong Cooperation Promoting ‘Bringing In and Going Out’.” During the event, the Hong Kong Financial Development Council and the Shanghai Financial Stability Development Research Center signed a Memorandum of Understanding, while Shanghai Maritime University, the Hong Kong Chamber of Shipping, and Equatorial Fund Limited entered into a strategic cooperation agreement.
Lieutenant Governor Leung Chun-ying, who attended the forum and delivered a keynote speech, noted that the foundation of Shanghai-Hong Kong cooperation is strong and its accomplishments are impressive. He emphasized that in the future, there should be advancements toward higher goals in sectors such as finance, shipping, and technology innovation. He also suggested that both regions could explore further cooperation in cultural exchanges, international market expansion, and brand development to contribute even more significantly to national development.
When discussing the future direction of Shanghai-Hong Kong cooperation, Leung first highlighted culture. He mentioned that, according to his observations, there is a considerable appreciation for Chinese culture abroad, exemplified by videos of foreign individuals singing Chinese songs he frequently comes across online. “As both Shanghai and Hong Kong are major cultural metropolises, we can work together to promote Chinese culture on a global scale, fostering understanding among people around the world,” he stated.
In addition to cultural collaboration, Leung expressed his belief that Shanghai and Hong Kong could jointly strengthen the branding of Chinese agricultural products.
In recent years, the two regions have deeply integrated into major national strategies such as the Yangtze River Delta Integration Development and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area initiative. They are continuously enhancing their core urban functions, boosting global resource allocation capabilities, and striving to elevate their overall strength and international influence. Attendees at the forum reflected on how the cultural connections, economic integration, and shared fate between Shanghai and Hong Kong have paved the way for a new era. They advocated for continuing to leverage their respective advantages and pursuing mutual benefits. This includes practical collaborations in areas like institutional openness, technological innovation, cultural exchanges, and market connectivity, writing a new chapter in regional cooperation that better serves the national development agenda.
The forum saw participation from over 160 experts, scholars, government officials, and representatives from various sectors from both Shanghai and Hong Kong. They engaged in thematic discussions on topics such as developing high-end international shipping services, enhancing intellectual property cooperation to promote the market transformation of technological achievements globally, and strengthening the financial industries in both regions. Their collective goal was to suggest ideas and contribute wisdom for deeper, broader, and higher-level cooperation, enriching the narrative of the “Twin Cities Story.”
This forum was jointly organized by the Shanghai Municipal Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference for Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan and Overseas Chinese Affairs, the Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences, and the Hong Kong Tomorrow Development Foundation.
