One month after Jin Lei's appointment as Shenzhen's Communist Party chief, analysts are calling for Hong Kong to remove barriers to cross-border flows of people, capital, goods, and data. Jin has signalled deeper integration through visits to key joint projects like the Hetao cooperation zone.
Following his appointment last month—covered in our series on his leadership—Shenzhen's new Communist Party chief Jin Lei has wasted no time pushing for closer ties with Hong Kong. In his first month, he visited major joint initiatives, including the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Cooperation Zone, a cornerstone of Hong Kong's Northern Metropolis development.
Analysts urge Hong Kong to match this proactive stance by dismantling obstacles to cross-border flows. Peng Peng, an international affairs scholar, emphasised breaking down such barriers. Senior commentator Lau Siu-kai highlighted Beijing's push for collaboration within the Greater Bay Area, including the Qianhai Shenzhen-Hong Kong Modern Service Industry Cooperation Zone. Legislative Council members have also stressed advancing the Northern Metropolis.