Hong Kong Chinese General Chamber of Commerce urges 'Super Partner' upgrade and North District push in 5‑Year Plan

The Hong Kong Chinese General Chamber of Commerce (中華總商會) has submitted two position papers to the Hong Kong government as it prepares its first five‑year development plan. The Chamber calls for Hong Kong to be upgraded from a "super liaison" and "super value‑added" role to a "super partner" status, seeking mutual recognition of professional service qualifications with the Greater Bay Area, a data‑zone pilot, and expanded access to emerging markets, including Islamic finance. It also proposes establishing a North District Office to streamline investment attraction, accelerate university‑industry collaboration, develop a cross‑border e‑commerce hub, and support small‑and‑medium enterprises in the area.

Separately, retired professor Zhou Yongxin (周永新) has recommended that the government remove the current residency‑day requirement for Hong Kong seniors who wish to retire in mainland China, allowing them to continue receiving the Long‑Life Allowance or High‑Age Allowance without staying in Hong Kong for a minimum of 60 days per year. More than 800,000 seniors receive the Long‑Life Allowance and about 380,000 receive the High‑Age Allowance, and the proposal would not increase public spending. Both sets of suggestions aim to align Hong Kong’s development with mainland policies and to enhance its international competitiveness.