In a meeting with the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong (DAB) delegates in Beijing last Friday, Zhang Dejiang, chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee (NPCSC), emphasized that with strong momentum and sound development, the country is striving for the realization of the Chinese dream in line with President Xi Jinping's blueprint for national rejuvenation. HKSAR should therefore put aside political squabbles and seize the opportunities to work together with the central government to achieve new development.

Obviously, Zhang, the State leader in charge of Hong Kong affairs, has high hope for the DAB - Hong Kong's biggest political party with the largest number of legislative and district councilors. Since its founding on July 10, 1992, the DAB has played a leading role in the city's political development. More importantly, by adhering to its patriotic principle, the DAB has always supported the HKSAR Government in maintaining HK's prosperity and stability.

Zhang's words - though for the DAB - are worth pondering by the whole society. As China's most globalized city, and one of the most competitive and freest economies around the world, Hong Kong has a lot to contribute to the country's economic development. Riding on the back of the motherland's rapid development, Hong Kong can tap the enormous resources for its own prosperity. A case in point is that Hong Kong is in a unique position to serve as a "super connector" - dubbed by Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying, between the mainland and the world in the "One Belt, One Road" strategy.

For its own good, Hong Kong must maintain its economic advantage, which has been challenged by a number of social issues that have occasionally stirred social unrest. In the past few years, Hong Kong was seen to have gradually drifted away from its right course under the force of adverse political tide. Even after the dust has settled from bitter bickering over universal suffrage, Hong Kong is still embroiled in seemingly endless political wrangles. "Prosperity and stability" will be empty talk if the society continues to be preoccupied by petty politics.

Politicizing all social issues is bound to lead Hong Kong nowhere. The only way to boost the city's economy, and shore up its status as an international financial hub, is for Hong Kong people from across the political spectrum to put aside their differences and concentrate on improving people's livelihoods. This should be the consensus in an increasingly polarized Hong Kong society.

(HK Edition 07/27/2015 page9)