Deng Zhonghua, the former deputy director of the State Council’s Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office, recently outlined a vision for Hong Kong’s economic future. Speaking on Saturday, Deng argued that the city must move beyond passive governance to revive its economic momentum. He proposed that the government should act as a 'visible hand' to dismantle barriers created by vested interests, suggesting that current structures may be hindering necessary progress.

Central to Deng’s proposal is the implementation of a five-year plan designed to stimulate growth. He emphasized the need for deregulation to empower emerging industries, which he views as essential for the city's long-term competitiveness. Furthermore, Deng highlighted the importance of improving mechanisms for distributing the benefits of economic development more equitably among the population. While the proposal focuses on government intervention, it also touches on the need for structural reform to ensure the city remains economically viable in a changing global landscape. The call for a more interventionist approach marks a significant shift in the discourse regarding how Hong Kong should manage its economic policy moving forward.