Driving force: Focus Group on Professional Services, Information & Technology & Tourism Convenor Leung Chun-ying hold a copy of the Action Agenda. [Photo: Gov.hk]

Hong Kong should bolster ties with Shenzhen on innovation, technology and information services, the Focus Group on Professional Services, Information & Technology & Tourism says.

The group, established following an economic summit to discuss China's 11th Five-Year plan and Hong Kong's role in it in last September, handed its report to the Chief Executive on Monday, outlining 21 strategic proposals and 66 action items.

Group Convenor Leung Chun-ying said Shenzhen is suitable for Hong Kong people to expand their businesses due to the two cities' proximity. It should also co-operate with Shenzhen to form an innovation circle to boost talent and information exchange.

Key role

The 11th Five-Year Plan requires government-to-government discussion to follow up on the issues. Mr Leung said the trade also plays a key role in pushing things ahead by letting the Government know its needs and future direction.

Noting the Mainland has to open up its markets gradually after joining the World Trade Organisation, Mr Leung suggested those from the Mainland can team up with Hong Kong professionals to compete with foreign professional service providers.

"This will also be beneficial to the country's future development and avoid monopolisation by foreign professionals."

He said Mainland professionals can enjoy many advantages when teaming up with their Hong Kong counterparts, such as convenient transport connections, easier communication and similar cultural backgrounds.

Mutually beneficial

"Therefore, co-operation between Hong Kong and the Mainland can be mutually beneficial and should not be viewed as zero-sum games. To ensure the Action Agenda's smooth implementation, the city should bolster its ties with the Central Government and municipal bodies. They should also be informed how such a co-operation can help them reap benefits," Mr Leung said.

Looking ahead, he said the question now is not "what" Hong Kong people have to do, but "how" to put measures under the Action Agenda into practice.

"We are all aware of our role in the Mainland's development and the benefits it will bring. Now we have to enhance co-ordination and communication between Hong Kong and Mainland authorities, lobby Hong Kong people's support to the Action Agenda and explain to our Mainland counterparts the agenda in details.

"Hong Kong should also partake in the preparation of the 12th Five-Year Plan. More exchanges with the Mainland do not affect the city's free economy because of One Country, Two Systems."