On 28 April 2026, Chinese Ambassador to the UK Zheng Zeguang attended an event hosted by the Hong Kong Association Committee in London and delivered a speech on Hong Kong’s development prospects. Representatives from the British business community were present.
In his speech, Ambassador Zheng pointed out that in recent years, Hong Kong has taken new strides from stability to prosperity. Last year, Hong Kong’s GDP grew by 3.5% year on year. It ranked third in the Global Financial Centres Index, retained its position as the world’s freest economy, and leapt to fourth in the World Talent Ranking 2025. It has made remarkable achievements across the board.
Ambassador Zheng stressed that Hong Kong’s future development is underpinned by four key advantages.
First, the strong support of China’s continued rapid development. Hong Kong has both the support of the motherland and a global reach. It draws its greatest confidence for long-term prosperity and stability from the development of the motherland. The Chinese government remains firmly committed to the principles of One country, Two systems, “Hong Kong people administering Hong Kong” and a high degree of autonomy, and will continue to promote Hong Kong’s long-term prosperity and stability.
Second, new opportunities arising from the implementation of the 15th Five-Year Plan. Hong Kong is an international financial, shipping and trade centre with unique geographical advantages and a strong talent base. The Plan further enriches Hong Kong’s roles, including supporting the development of a bulk commodity trading ecosystem and strengthening its functions as a global offshore RMB business hub, an international asset and wealth management centre, and an international risk management centre. These measures will open up new space for Hong Kong’s economic development.
Third, steady progress in the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), which is a major national strategy. In recent years, both “hard connectivity” in infrastructure and “soft connectivity” in planning mechanisms among Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao have accelerated. The GBA’s rail network has exceeded 4,000 kilometres, and 17 cross-boundary passenger ferry routes are in operation. A total of 198 high-frequency public services can be accessed across the boundary. In addition, 267 GBA standards and 308 GBA certifications have been issued.
Fourth, the deepening of China’s high-standard opening up. All restrictions on foreign investment in China’s manufacturing sector have been lifted, and the services sector will be a key focus for further opening up. As a “super connector” and “super value-adder”, Hong Kong plays an important role in facilitating Chinese enterprises going global and foreign enterprises entering China. It is well placed to achieve new development as part of the country’s overall opening up.
Ambassador Zheng welcomed the British business community to seize these historical opportunities, take an active part in the development of Hong Kong and the GBA, act as a bridge between China and the UK, and contribute to mutual understanding between the two peoples and to the steady and long-term development of bilateral relations.
