The world is shadowed by a great pandemic. A gloomy economic situation is haunting. Hong Kong’s GDP contracted 4 percent year-on-year in the first half of this year, adding to the gloomy career prospects for young people.
According to a survey by the Kowloon Federation of Associations last year, 60 percent of the local young people interviewed, faced with limited opportunities and an uncertain economic outlook, held a negative view about their career prospects.
Their worries are real and worth attention from the government as well as society at large. We shall all work on that cause for the betterment of our young people’s future. But history has also shown numerous times that opportunities often come amid crises. The world is always developing and always creating new chances. Those chances, however, are not prepared for everyone, but for those who dare to take steps forward and make bold moves to capture them.
In this year’s Belt and Road Summit held in Hong Kong recently, Vice-Premier Han Zheng, via a video speech, expressed the central government’s hope for Hong Kong to take the initiative to stand out to be the window for international cooperation, a hub for legal, logistics, financial and consulting services, a bridge for global connection, and a springboard for China to expand the vision.
That is a grand role for the city. Currently, over 70 countries have taken part in the Belt and Road Initiative, representing more than a third of the world’s GDP and two-thirds of the world’s population, according to the official data. And if Hong Kong can be a pivotal part of the initiative, the city will be able to embrace a new period of golden growth, and all people of Hong Kong would have a chance to benefit from the mega project.
Developing countries often provide more opportunities, bigger growth potential, and easier market access. And Hong Kong people, who have long been famed for their professionalism and work efficiency, are well-positioned to be the forerunners in championing this initiative.
For instance, many developing countries need new buildings, new metro systems and other new infrastructure facilities for the development of their cities. And Hong Kong, with its top-notch engineering, consulting and construction industries, is no doubt a favored partner. Hong Kong firms, Hong Kong professionals, and Hong Kong systems have a competitive edge over many competitors. The global business cooperation blueprint opens the gate of opportunities for our young people.
But many local youngsters may think that is too far away, more like a big dream. “Who would like to risk going to Central Europe, or the Middle East, or Africa to face all the odds?” “Underdeveloped countries have no mature systems but glitches.” “What if those markets are full of scams?”
However, when you really take that bold step, you may see the other side of the story.
… Many Hong Kong entrepreneurs, professionals and young people plucked up their courage and took their first steps. … They not only succeeded in their business aspirations, but also helped many mainland compatriots live better lives. Moreover, they know they lived a meaningful life by contributing to the achievement of one of the world’s most stunning economic miracles.
Let’s look back to the 1980s, when the Chinese mainland started its reform and opening-up policy. The market was fraught with uncertainties that businesspeople had to wade through to proceed with their investments. The operating environment was far from favorable. No one had a clear sight of the future. No investment return could be assured, there were no clear-cut policies to be relied on, and no precedents could be referred to.
But still, many Hong Kong entrepreneurs, professionals and young people plucked up their courage and took their first steps. The move later proved to be one of the wisest of all time. They not only succeeded in their business aspirations, but also helped many mainland compatriots live better lives. Moreover, they know they lived a meaningful life by contributing to the achievement of one of the world’s most stunning economic miracles.
What would have happened if they had stepped back at the time? Maybe regrets, maybe not. But they would have lost their once-in-a-lifetime opportunities.
That was the story of the previous generation of Hong Kong people. What will be ours?
In life, a right direction and strong courage are sometimes more decisive than any other factors in determining success. Every generation has its once-in-a-lifetime opportunities, and maybe this is yours, but only if you try.
It is time for our generation of Hong Kong young people to seize their once-in-a-lifetime opportunities. Take a look beyond Hong Kong and don’t give up easily. We are presented with many options: the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, the Belt and Road Initiative, and maybe other new projects. But above all, you have to be bold and always ready to grasp the opportunities.
Just remember, great adventures come with great challenges. In your life, if you have one opportunity to seize the things you ever wanted, capture it — don’t let it slip.
The author is a member of the Guangdong Province Zhongshan City Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, and executive vice-chairman of the Hong Kong CPPCC Youth Association.
The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.