Centre for China Studies (CCS) of CUHK and the Institute for International Affairs (IIA) of CUHK (Shenzhen) hosted a symposium entitled “Policy Innovation in the Greater Bay Area: Smart Integration under China’s ‘Dual Circulation’ Strategy” on 5 November. The event is supported by the Institute of Chinese Studies of CUHK, Institute of Policy and Practice of Shenzhen Finance Institute of CUHK (Shenzhen), Hua Jing Society, and Hong Kong Institution for International Finance.

Following the opening remarks by Associate Vice-President (External Engagement and Outreach) Laurie Pearcey, keynote speeches were delivered by Director of IIA (CUHK Shenzhen) Professor Zheng Yongnian on Governance, talent, and regional integration, and Professor Xiao Geng (Professor of Practice, CUHK Shenzhen; Director of Institute of Policy and Practice, Shenzhen Institute of Finance, CUHK Shenzhen; Chairman of the Hong Kong Institution for International Finance) on Finance, innovation, and dual circulation.

The central government issued an outline development plan for the GBA in February 2019, which envisaged the important role the GBA will play in China’s next stage of development. It came up with an economic strategy of “dual circulation” when challenges including the US-China rivalry, COVID-19 and globalisation came into play. Its strategy emphasises the importance of domestic demand alongside a resilient approach to engage with the global economy.