Deeper Greater Bay Ties Won't Harm HK: Carrie Lam

Chief Executive Carrie Lam has sought to dismiss concerns that Hong Kong may not benefit in the long-run from Beijing's Greater Bay Area plans, or that it could even start to suffer because of them.

Speaking at a conference on Friday, Lam said she was aware that some people are wondering what advantages the initiative will bring to Hong Kong, at a time when the economic differentials with Guangdong are narrowing.

Lam said Hong Kong will still be able to make good use of "One Country, Two Systems", even as the SAR becomes more integrated with the mainland.

"Hong Kong strengths are rooted in our One Country, Two Systems advantage. This advantage will not disappear or diminish. The freest economy in the world, Hong Kong delivers high-powered financial and professional services and global connections, even as we deepen our economical ties to the mainland."

As well as Hong Kong, the Greater Bay Area covers Macau and nine Guangdong cities. Officials say the area's economy is as large as those of Australia and South Korea put together.