Pansy Ho: HK to retain key development role in the Bay Area

Ho noted that, in addition to gaining understanding and support from the outside world, what was more important was "what Hong Kong people ourselves would like to see as our future".

"Our destiny, as well as our development in the future, is definitely going to be tied to the nation," she said.

Therefore, Hong Kong should champion all the opportunities that have been granted by its motherland, for example, the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

The business leader said she found rich opportunities for collaboration between Shenzhen and Hong Kong in terms of technology development, which she believed will provide great prospects for the younger generation in Hong Kong.

With its trading facilities, logistics systems, and educational resources, Hong Kong could explore the areas of creative industries and make a name for itself as a vibrant international cultural hub, she said.

"I believe that in the future, Hong Kong could continue to be a major driving force in the development of the Bay Area, one of the major regions of China's economic development," she said.

Seeing the resilience and unity of Hong Kong people during the pandemic has enhanced Ho's belief in the city's future.

The special administrative region has become a good example of how collaboration between medical experts and the community can keep the COVID-19 pandemic under control.

She highlighted the efforts of the city's medical professionals amid the pandemic, and said that

Hong Kong people showed a strong spirit of self-discipline to make sure the majority could make it through the crisis.

She also hopes the community can grasp a unique moment of "downtime" to reflect and refocus on what is important for Hong Kong, a world-class city, and start preparing for a good beginning to the post-pandemic era.

"I'm also quite hopeful, as well as confident that come 2021, Hong Kong will reestablish itself (as a force in the world)," she said.