The in-depth discussion by experts and academics from the Pan-Pearl River Delta (PRD) region on cooperation is conducive to the economic and cultural developments in the region, said Lau Siu-kai, head professor of the Hong Kong Central Policy Unit, at the launch of the two-day Pan-PRD Development Forum Monday.

 

More than 200 academics, researchers, government officials and leaders in business sectors from nine provinces, autonomous regions and the Hong Kong and Macao Special Administrative Regions will exchange their views on how to expedite economic and social developments in the region.

 

Addressing the forum, Lau said the Pan-PRD cooperation is a catalyst for the economic integration between Hong Kong and other provinces and autonomous regions.

 

"This expands Hong Kong's economic hinterland to cover more than one-third of the total area of the mainland. It will help Hong Kong develop its competitive edge and is beneficial to the territory's long-term economic development," said Lau.

 

"Government promotion, coupled with market-driven strategies, is the important principle underlying co-operation within the Pan-PRD region. And policy research is a prerequisite of government promotion efforts," Lau said.

 

He said following the signing of the Pan-PRD Regional Cooperation Framework Agreement, consolidation of regional co-operation will be of paramount importance.

 

Organized by the Central Policy Unit and the Hong Kong Institute of Asia-Pacific Studies of the Chinese University of Hong Kong, the forum was divided into two discussion sessions, focusing on the macro-analysis of the Pan-PRD regional co-operation at regional, Guangdong, Yunnan and Hong Kong levels.

 

Yeung said with its close economic and trading relationship with the nine provinces and autonomous regions, Hong Kong should actively participate in the development of the Pan-PRD regional co-operation.

 

It should also introduce international standards, trading culture, information and capital into the region, while assisting the region to enter the world market and increase its competitiveness, Yeung added.

 

(Xinhua News Agency December 14, 2004)