CHINA’S top legislator Zhang Dejiang yesterday called on the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) to take advantage of the opportunities created by the Belt and Road Initiative to further expand its superiorities.

    Delivering a keynote speech in the city to the Belt and Road Summit sponsored by the HKSAR Government, Zhang said the Central Government attaches great importance to Hong Kong’s prosperity and stability as well as its role in the national strategy.

    The Central Government supports closer exchange and cooperation between Hong Kong and the mainland and the world, the top legislator said.

    Zhang, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, said the Central Government supports Hong Kong’s agencies and professionals in offering accounting, design, consultancy and other professional services to the Belt and Road, and supports Hong Kong’s efforts to build a center for international legal and dispute resolution services in the Asia Pacific.

    The Central Government also backs Hong Kong in developing high added-value shipping industry and building a multifunctional shipping center for the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road.

    The government will also support Hong Kong in strengthening its position as a hub for global offshore RMB business, Zhang said.

    Hong Kong has unique advantages for participation in the Belt and Road Initiative, he said.

    Hong Kong sits on the busiest international sea route and boasts a developed port economy. It is also an important gateway in the landscape of China’s opening up, Zhang said.

    Hong Kong has easy, efficient and economic access to the mainland, thus serves as a hub of transportation and international communication. The city has the world’s busiest international airport, topping the list in passenger and goods transport.

    Hong Kong is next to Shenzhen, a center for innovation and entrepreneurship. As a natural partner, Hong Kong can join forces with the China (Guangdong) Pilot Free Trade Zone, the Qianhai Shenzhen-Hong Kong Cooperation Zone and Fujian Province, which is a core area for the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, Zhang said.

    The Belt and Road Initiative refers to the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road proposed by China in 2013, aiming to revive ancient trade routes between Asia and Europe.

    The network passes through more than 60 countries and regions, with a total population of 4.4 billion.

    Zhang is in Hong Kong from May 17 to 19.(Xinhua)