Chairman’s Statement
Time does fly. This year, CGCC is celebrating its 125th anniversary, a significant milestone not only in CGCC’s history but also in the collective history shared with our members and the wider Hong Kong community.
For 125 years, CGCC has held fast to its mission of “reaching out to the world with its roots in Hong Kong and backing from the Motherland”. We have navigated momentous historical tides with resolve and foresight, writing chapter after chapter of glorious achievements. From our early years, CGCC has already been actively participating in the development of Hong Kong and the country. After new China was founded, CGCC was one of the very first in Hong Kong to raise the “Five-star Red Flag”, a testament to our unwavering patriotism, dedication for our city, and willingness to take up the mantle of the era; in those old hard days in the Mainland, CGCC remained committed to its role as a bridge between the country and the international community; since its inauguration, we have sent delegations to every single Canton Fair and helped send out the fair’s official invitations to facilitate international trade, maintain exchange between China and the rest of the world, and bring new momentum to the country’s development; and during severe droughts in Hong Kong, CGCC worked closely with Guangdong Province to introduce water from the Dongjiang River, contributing greatly to rendering Hong Kong back to social and economic stability.
In the early days of reform and opening-up, CGCC members were among the first to invest in the country, bringing their capital, technology and management expertise to the Mainland, and making valuable contributions to China’s rapid economic rise. Three of our former Chairmen – K C Wong, Henry Fok, and Tsang Hin-chi – were given the “Reform Pioneer” award for their outstanding contributions to reform and opening-up, a recognition that attests to CGCC’s vital role and contributions in the country’s modernization progress.
Following Hong Kong’s return to the Motherland, CGCC seized the historic opportunities arising from the country’s development to enhance and refine its positioning. By affirming the goal of “modernization” for CGCC in four aspects – more youthful, diverse, professional and international – we have drawn in younger members, expanded our membership and organization, and strengthened our global political and business networks, all helping to propel CGCC to new heights in the new era. Furthermore, we have embraced our threefold mission to become the CGCC of Hong Kong, of the country and of the world by actively engaging in Hong Kong’s economic and social affairs, participating in the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the “Belt and Road Initiative”, and deepening international exchange and cooperation, allowing CGCC to serve as a vital bridge connecting the Mainland with the global community.
As one of the three conveners of the World Chinese Entrepreneurs Convention and its current Secretariat, as well as the initiator and organizer of the CGCC World Chinese Entrepreneurs Summit, CGCC bears the important responsibility of uniting Chinese entrepreneurs around the globe, among whom we continue to deepen collaboration and exchanges. We also continue to consolidate the role of these events as key hubs for interaction and exchange among Chinese entrepreneurs and business leaders worldwide, and build a vital platform to facilitate cooperation among Chinese entrepreneurs.
The Third Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China has laid out a comprehensive roadmap for deepening reform and advancing Chinese-style modernization. It also made clear the country’s determination to expand high-level opening-up. President Xi’s four expectations for Hong Kong’s future and replies to Hong Kong entrepreneurs with Ningbo roots, among other gestures, have not only provided clear direction for Hong Kong’s future but also boosted the confidence of the local business community in the prospects of the city’s business environment. In the face of a complex and evolving global political and economic landscape, CGCC has actively guided its members to identify, adapt to and seek changes, and to make proactive moves that dovetail with the strategies of the country and the HKSAR Government. These include strengthening the competitiveness of Hong Kong’s premier industries and cultivating emerging ones, accelerating the progress of the Northern Metropolis, and promoting cooperation between Mainland and international enterprises. We aim to consolidate Hong Kong’s role as a bridge that brings foreign capital into the Mainland and helps Mainland enterprises reach the global market, and to empower the local business sector to serve as a driving force for Hong Kong’s future economic growth.
National security is the cornerstone of Hong Kong’s prosperity and stability, and the foundation for the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. Since the National Security Law was implemented five years ago, it has provided a strong legal safeguard for social stability and economic development. It has enabled the business community and wider society to focus on driving economic growth and accelerating progress. In this regard, CGCC fully supports and cooperates with the HKSAR Government in its efforts to safeguard national security and foster a harmonious and stable business and social environment.
Nurturing a patriotic young generation has long been a core focus of CGCC’s work. We have been lining up internship, training and exchange opportunities in the Mainland for local youths, sponsoring secondary school students to visit national aerospace institutions, and establishing multiple scholarships to support young people in broadening their knowledge and skills. Our goal is to cultivate future leaders with a global vision, an innovative spirit, and a strong sense of responsibility. In addition, through the “We Care．We Share” initiative, we actively get involved in charitable and community causes, conveying the care and fulfilling the corporate social responsibility of the business sector. During the COVID-19 pandemic, our members offered both financial and material support to help combat the virus and aid economic recovery, standing shoulder to shoulder with the rest of the business community in overcoming unprecedented challenges.
Since I first began 2008, I have served six consecutive terms as CGCC Chairman. I feel deeply honored and understand the great responsibilities that come with the position. I am truly grateful for the trust and support of the CGCC team, and sincerely thank our many longstanding partners, including Mainland and overseas chambers of commerce, trade organizations and governments, for their invaluable support over the years.
The world is undergoing profound changes unseen in a century, and the Chinese nation stands at a critical juncture in its great journey of national rejuvenation. CGCC will uphold its 125-year tradition of serving the country and Hong Kong unfalteringly. We remain firmly committed to supporting the HKSAR Government in administering in accordance with the law, actively contributing to our Motherland’s continuous growth, integrating more deeply into the country’s overall development, promoting regional economic cooperation, and stepping up our effort in nurturing the young generation. Through concrete actions, we will continue to contribute to the sustainable development of Hong Kong, the country, and even the world, as we write the next chapter of CGCC together.
Chairman
Jonathan CHOI
