Lunar New Year is more popularly known as Spring Festival because it starts with the Beginning of Spring — the first of the 24 solar terms identifying the changes occurring in nature.
It marks the end of winter and the beginning of spring, as well as the start of a new lunar year. It is a time when things start afresh again. Therefore, Lunar New Year is a perfect time for people to look back on the past year and look forward to the future.
As I look back, an overwhelming sense of gratitude fills my mind. The current stable and harmonious days are not to be taken for granted. For many people, the turmoil of the social unrest and the ugly scenes of the pandemic are vivid in their minds.
It was only after the central government threw its weight behind the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region in fighting the fifth wave of the COVID-19 outbreak that this piece of land under the Lion Rock became peaceful and safe again. Now residents can enjoy stability as they embark on the road to normalcy.
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In the recent past, a series of top international events such as the Global Financial Leaders’ Investment Summit, the Belt and Road Summit and the Asian Financial Forum were held in Hong Kong. They officially signaled that the city is marching toward the goal of full normalcy speedily and steadily. Good days are not easy to come by and so they should never be taken for granted. We must learn to cherish them.
Clearly, there is no better way to achieve good governance and prosperity than by taking advantage of the opportunities afforded by the motherland
During his inspection tour of Hong Kong on July 1 last year, President Xi Jinping said that Hong Kong was in a new stage where the city was moving from chaos to governance and from governance to prosperity. When we look forward as Lunar New Year is approaching, we must focus all our attention on moving “from governance to prosperity” such that Hong Kong can stand out in the post-pandemic world and achieve glories that surpass those of the past.
So, in which direction should our “from governance to prosperity” efforts go? Luckily, we do not have to worry about this problem. Geographically, Hong Kong is closely connected with the motherland. In order to achieve good governance and prosperity, all we need to do is to stick closer to the strategy of relying on the motherland while facing the world.
At present, China’s modernization process is advancing in full force, and the strong resilience and vitality of China’s economy have been recognized by the world. Many institutions, including the International Monetary Fund, predict that with the adjustment and optimization of epidemic prevention and control policies, China’s economic growth this year will make a significant contribution to the recovery of the world economy.
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Zheng Yanxiong, the newly appointed director of the Liaison Office of the Central Government in the HKSAR, recently pointed out that for Hong Kong people, the motherland is a vast hinterland for development, a huge consumer market, an inexhaustible driver of innovation, and thus a broad stage where young people from Hong Kong can pursue their dreams.
Clearly, there is no better way to achieve good governance and prosperity than by taking advantage of the opportunities afforded by the motherland. Hong Kong will prosper as long as it manages to play the perfect role of being the gateway between the Chinese mainland and the world.
As the days of social turmoil get further and further behind us, the consensus of those from all walks of life in Hong Kong is for stable development. To everyone in Hong Kong, the current stable social environment must be treasured and cherished not only because people now enjoy a harmonious and stable life, but also because this newfound stable environment provides favorable conditions for Hong Kong’s younger generation to work, start businesses, and showcase their talents in Hong Kong and the mainland.
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When we look around, we should feel grateful and cherish what we have. This is our city. Every Hong Kong resident should be motivated to keep the good days going.
The author, a radiologist, is a co-founder of the Hong Kong Coalition and a council member of the Chinese Young Entrepreneurs Association.
The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.