Proposals must reflect the needs of development

I first visited Beijing about 30 years ago. I am deeply impressed with the changes in the capital since then.

Back then, there were few vehicles on Chang'an Avenue, which runs through the heart of the capital. As a Hong Kong resident, I needed to go to the Beijing Friendship Store to do my shopping with foreign exchange certificates.

When I finished my studies in the United Kingdom in 2002, I came to Beijing to learn Mandarin at Tsinghua University because I planned to participate in the country's future development and there were a lot of opportunities at the time.

Beijing is now modern and developed. I think young people from Hong Kong should understand China's development and participate in a trusting manner.

They are very lucky thanks to the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, which offers good opportunities for them to get to know the country and develop their potential.

However, they need to understand the general situation in the area before looking for opportunities to enjoy the bonuses that have resulted since the reform and opening-up policy was launched 40 years ago.

Sports can allow young people in the bay area to communicate. It's important to understand them through sports, such as the activities they participate in. They can develop friendships through sports.

Once people begin to communicate, the opportunities will come－job or innovation opportunities or the chance to start a company.

Hong Kong made a bid to host the Asian Games, but it didn't work out because we didn't have space to build the athletes' village. Why couldn't we use the bay area, taking advantage of the "nine cities plus two" to host events? The infrastructure in the area is pretty much complete now.

We have spoken with local governments, including Guangzhou and Zhuhai (in neighboring Guangdong province). They have ideas for hosting marathons and cycling events. A lot of young people in Hong Kong go to Guangdong to cycle. This is something we could do immediately.

Q&A

How did you feel when you were elected to the CPPCC?

It's nerve-wracking to be a new member. Though I have had experience of the regional committee, participating in the deliberation and administration of State affairs in the nation's capital is very different.

What suggestions have you made?

I submitted a proposal, suggesting we host sports events in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. Sports can be the medium for communication for young people, and people of other ages.

How will you undertake your role in the next five years?

The topics discussed by the committee are related to the general situation and development of the country. I have spent a lot of time pondering my proposals. They should not be drafted only out of concern for regional development, but for the development of the country.

Kenneth Fok Kai-kong spoke with Hou Liqiang.