香港，又到了“拼经济”的时候？

Core Viewpoint - A subtle shift is occurring in Hong Kong, transitioning from a focus on security to prioritizing economic development, with an emphasis on enhancing its international financial center status [2][3]. Economic Overview - Hong Kong's economy is projected to grow at 2.5% in 2024, down from 3.2% in 2023, with forecasts for 2025 generally between 2% and 3% [4]. - Trade and financial services are the two main pillars of Hong Kong's economy, each contributing approximately 20% to GDP [4]. Challenges in Economic Development - The international unique trade status of Hong Kong is uncertain due to changing global dynamics and the emergence of free trade zones in mainland China, which have diminished Hong Kong's previous advantages [5]. - Hong Kong has lost its position as the world's largest container port and is now ranked 11th in 2024, with Shenzhen and Guangzhou taking the 4th and 6th spots respectively [5]. Employment and Social Issues - The financial sector, while strong in capital attraction, does not provide sufficient employment opportunities, leading to a rise in low-end jobs in sectors like retail and dining, exacerbating social mobility issues and income inequality [5]. Opportunities in Technology Innovation - The potential for growth lies in the technology innovation sector, as Hong Kong has a strong academic foundation but lacks the necessary environment for technology commercialization [8][10]. - Hong Kong's R&D investment as a percentage of GDP is only 1.11% in 2023, significantly lower than the EU (2.2%), the US (3.59%), and South Korea (4.85%) [12]. Strategic Initiatives - The "Northern Metropolis" project aims to develop a new urban area focused on innovation and technology, leveraging Shenzhen's industrial strengths to enhance Hong Kong's economic landscape [14][15]. - The establishment of the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Cooperation Zone is expected to contribute approximately 52 billion HKD annually to Hong Kong's economy and create around 52,000 jobs [15]. Integration with Mainland China - Recent policies, such as allowing vehicles from Guangdong to enter Hong Kong, signal a growing interconnection between Hong Kong and mainland China, emphasizing the importance of collaboration for future growth [16]. - The shift in economic dynamics indicates that Hong Kong must redefine its role and seek new opportunities in technology and innovation to remain competitive [22].