“I GREW up in Hong Kong and launched my business in Shenzhen. It’s my pleasure to contribute to our country and society,” said political adviser Dr. Ken Chu, who is the chairman of Mission Hills Group, Shenzhen Economic Daily reported Thursday.

This year marks the eighth year that Chu has been a member of the National Committee of Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, the country’s top political advisory body.

During his tenure, he has been active in promoting cooperation between Shenzhen and Hong Kong, publicizing national polices to more Hong Kong people, and offering support to Hong Kong youngsters to make their mark on the mainland.

“The rent in Hong Kong is too expensive, which is a big problem. But when you set foot on the mainland, there will also be plenty of development opportunities,” Chu often advises Hong Kong youth.

At his recommendation, a group of Hong Kong young entrepreneurs wanting to start a gym business came to Longhua District, Shenzhen. To their surprise, they found a large market there, and the rent was only one-tenth of that of Hong Kong. Moreover, they also received rent subsidies and other supportive funds.

Chu submitted four proposals concerning the construction of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) in 2018. He was excited to see that many of his proposals had been adopted after the GBA development plan was unveiled.

“I’m very proud to be able to contribute to the planning and construction of the Great Bay Area,” he said. This year, Chu will continue to submit proposals around GBA development.

“The construction of the Great Bay Area has brought new benefits to Hong Kong people,” Chu told the Daily. The opening of Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge and the Hong Kong Section of Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong express rail link has greatly facilitated personnel exchange between Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao.

Chu also pays attention to environmental protection. Last year, his proposal on upgrading star-rated hotels and strengthening environmental protection and sustainable development was put on record for further discussion.

(Zhang Yu)