Against the backdrop of Victoria Harbour's ship horns lies Hong Kong's fundamental ethos: built on trade and thriving through connectivity. For decades, the family of Shi Ronghuai, a Standing Committee member of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and President of the Hong Kong Beijing Associations Federation, has been part of this bustling maritime activity. Speaking ahead of the National Two Sessions, Shi emphasized that while Hong Kong has long served as a "super connector" between mainland China and the world, leveraging its geographic and institutional strengths, it must now shift gears. Dependence on this role is no longer sufficient; the city must actively accelerate its development.
The proposals for the 15th Five-Year Plan call for consolidating and enhancing Hong Kong's status as an international financial, shipping, and trade hub, while supporting its development into an international innovation and technology center. They also advocate for Hong Kong and Macao to become high-end international talent hubs. Shi views this not merely as policy support but as a practical imperative—Hong Kong must upgrade from being an intermediary to becoming an integrator and value-adder within the global value chain, securing an indispensable role in the nation's high-level opening-up.
Consequently, during this year's Two Sessions, his focus will be on digitalizing Hong Kong's shipping and trade sectors and facilitating cross-border data flow for biotechnology. Although Hong Kong's port handled over 12 million TEUs in 2025, Shi notes that throughput is no longer the core competitive advantage. Instead, value-added services, logistics efficiency, and digital capabilities will define the future of a global shipping hub.
In January, the Hong Kong Port Community System was officially launched, with over 2,300 enterprises registered. Utilizing blockchain and artificial intelligence, the system digitizes cargo tracking and customs inspections. Shi hopes it will further integrate with data systems at mainland ports in the Greater Bay Area, enabling seamless logistics information exchange and building Hong Kong's competitive edge through efficiency.
The Hong Kong section of the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Cooperation Zone commenced operations late last year. A series of institutional innovations are being implemented there: the "TechLink" initiative broadens channels for inbound research funding, new customs policies facilitate the clearance of research materials, and cross-border biotech data flow is becoming a reality. Shi believes this exemplifies the advantages of the "one country, two systems" principle.
To Hong Kong's younger generation, Shi often advises: "Engage globally, but serve China." This means cultivating international perspectives while remaining grounded in national roots. He hopes the new generation of Hong Kong entrepreneurs will view the mainland not just as a marketplace, but as a training ground to understand industrial chains and new quality productive forces, translating Hong Kong's institutional and professional strengths into tangible competitiveness.
As the 15th Five-Year Plan begins, Shi expresses confidence for two reasons: the nation's clear and stable strategic support for Hong Kong's development, and the Hong Kong SAR government's efforts to formulate its first five-year plan, actively aligning with national strategies. "Hong Kong's future lies in synchronizing with the nation's rhythm," he stated.
As cargo ships continue to stream through the port, Shi concludes that Hong Kong has always found its place during the nation's leaps forward—and must now keep pace and secure its position in the new journey ahead.