The Hong Kong government must forge greater ties with Shenzhen ahead of the 2026 Apec summit or risk missing a “perfect” opportunity to integrate the city’s financial muscle with the mainland’s tech prowess, according to an academic.

Zheng Yongnian, board director of the Guangzhou Institute of the Greater Bay Area think tank, said on Monday that the Hong Kong government should strive harder to seize the opportunity presented at next year’s Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Shenzhen.

The 2026 summit will be the third time a mainland city has hosted the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting, following Shanghai in 2001 and Beijing in 2014.

“It’s a very good opportunity for Hong Kong’s business sector. On how to utilise it, I feel the Hong Kong government should be more proactive and strive to link up with Shenzhen,” said Zheng.

In addition to his role at the think tank, Zheng is the dean of the School of Public Policy at the Chinese University of Hong Kong [CUHK], Shenzhen, and director of the Institute for International Affairs, Qianhai.

Zheng said he believed the two governments were likely now actively exploring what Hong Kong could offer. “I feel if they can link up, it would be beneficial for both Hong Kong and Shenzhen,” he added.