Source: Center for Studies of Hong Kong, Macao and Pearl River Delta
Written by: Lin Jiezhen, Chen Yingxin
Edited by: Wang Dongmei

On November 16, 2013, the International Conference on Hong Kong and Macao in the Development of Contemporary China and the celebration of the thirtieth anniversary of the Center for Studies of Hong Kong, Macao and Pearl River Delta of Sun Yat-sen University was held at SYSU. This conference was jointly sponsored by the Collaborative Innovation Center for the Cooperation of Hong Kong, Macao and Mainland China, the Center for Studies of Hong Kong, Macao and Pearl River Delta of SYSU, and the Center for Studies of Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan of SYSU. Representatives from Sun Yat-sen University, Peking University, Shenzhen University, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, University of Macau, Macao Polytechnic Institute and China Law Society participated in the conference.

This conference was hosted by Prof. Chen Guanghan, Director of the Center for Studies of Hong Kong, Macao and Pearl River Delta. Several distinguished representatives from coordinating institutes, such as Prof. Wei Minghai, Vice President of Sun Yat-sen University, Prof. Sun Daiyao from Center for Hong Kong and Macao Studies of Peking University, Prof. Zou Pingxue from Law School of Shenzhen University, Prof. Ieong Wan Chong from the One Country Two Systems Research Center of Macao Polytechnic Institute, made speeches at the opening ceremony. Prof. Anthony G.O. Yeh, Head of Department of Urban Planning and Design of the University of Hong Kong, also addressed the conference. Prof. Yeung Yue-man, Former Director of Hong Kong Institute of Asia-Pacific Studies of The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prof. Lui Tai-lok, Head of Department of Sociology of the University of Hong Kong, Prof. Lok Wai Kin from Faculty of Law of University of Macau, Prof. Mao Yanhua from the Center for Studies of Hong Kong, Macao and Pearl River Delta of SYSU, lectured on specific themes.

The conference addressed a range of issues from different angles such as economics, politics, law and society. Topics include how the inhabitants, organizations and resources from Hong Kong and Macao have been affecting the mainland in society, regional environment and industry level. Now it is a crucial phase for economic transition and development, and also a significant opportunity for enhancing international influence. Thus it is of great importance to discuss the status and role of HK and Macau in China’s development. The conference, which included six sub-sessions, covered such different areas as economics, politics, law, and social culture, with 60 papers published and deep discussion and thorough communication among conventioneers.