Hong Kong's wealthiest man Li Ka-shing said "one country, two systems" has provided the region with "front row seats" in the country's development, enabling it to participate in various national development plans.

 

香港首富李嘉诚表示，“一个国家，两种制度”让香港经济发展享有“大堂前座”的优势，能参与不同的国家发展计划。

 

Ahead of the 20th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to China, the 88-year-old billionaire, in the capacity of Chairman of CK Hutchison Holdings and CK Property Holdings, shared his perspectives on the implementation¹ of "one country, two systems" in an exclusive interview with Xinhua. 

 

Before the return, Li Ka-shing served as a member of the Drafting Committee of the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative² Region and Preparatory Committee for the HKSAR. He witnessed Hong Kong's journey into a new era under "one country, two systems."

 

Hong Kong's return to China is an important landmark³ in our history, Li said, adding that the smooth transition eased the concerns of many people about the 'one country, two systems' as it allowed for the fostering of a mutual⁴ symbiotic⁵ relationship.

 

The "one country, two systems" principle epitomized the creativity and flexibility⁶ of the Chinese leaders, he said. Before 1997 when Chinese and British governments were in negotiations⁷ on Hong Kong's future, some foreign companies showed pessimism⁸ about Hong Kong's economic and social development after the return. However, Li was more optimistic about Hong Kong and the whole country and increased his investments. 

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