Source: China Daily    Published: 2015-10-5

Secretary for Finance John Tsang Chun-wah says in the latest entry of his official weekly blog that he is more confident than before about Hong Kong`s ability to play an important role in the nation`s "Belt and Road" strategy following a recent visit to Europe. Indeed, Hong Kong has what it takes to shine in the historical endeavor, which will open up a new chapter in the revival of the ancient trade route of Silk Road in the 21st century and beyond.

Many commentators as well as government officials from countries and regions along the "Belt and Road" have expressed hopes for the international economic and trade development initiative to succeed and flourish. They are convinced it will benefit all economies along the Silk Road Economic Belt on land and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road on the high seas from Asia to Europe and Africa. The key to its success lies in cooperation among all parties following established "rules of the game".

China is the initiator of the "Belt and Road" and the largest developing country in the world. Its sustained development and prosperity are vital to the recovery and growth of the global economy today. As a special administrative region of the country, Hong Kong has direct access to the second-largest but fastest-growing economy in the world as well to the global market. The SAR boasts well-established business and trade connections to economies of all sizes around the world. It has modern infrastructure and can serve the growing needs of markets everywhere in helping to provide the many things China has to offer.

More importantly, Hong Kong has an enviable professional talent pool with the knowledge and experience necessary to ensure efficient trade activities and business transactions among all market along the "Belt and Road". From financial services to legal counsel and arbitration, shipping, logistics and telecommunications, Hong Kong has the expertise to help the initiative function efficiently and profit from doing it. As Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying and Financial Secretary John Tsang have both said many times, Hong Kong is ideally positioned to play the role of a "super-connector" between the Chinese mainland and all other markets along the "Belt and Road".

In short, the city of 7 million stands to thrive by playing an active part in the super-connector strategy. It has no reason to shy away from this vital and rewarding role.