Building resilience in Hong Kong

Governments are in a race to maintain global competitiveness. Many face a shortage of public money to meet the future growth needs of their most important cities. Often this comes down to factors linked to quality of infrastructure. And yet, too few politicians arrive in office with a clear idea of how to invest strategically in infrastructure for maximum benefit. Working with Arcadis, KPMG and others, Pinsent Masons sought to address this challenge with its clients.

The challenge

Hong Kong is one of the world's great global cities and, like all such cities, it seeks to attract and retain the talent and industry necessary for economic prosperity. Many of the pressures facing Hong Kong are not unique. Such cities face infrastructure deficits, despite significant investment, combined with funding and delivery models that no longer work.

Mature urban areas like Hong Kong face increasing pressure to maximise the economic, social and environmental benefits of any investment. They need to improve their competitive position and sustain economic, social and environmental value.

The solution

Pinsent Masons' business is built around five global sectors, one of which is infrastructure. Our sector-led approach and global footprint means we can help to 'globalise' models and approaches. Those which have worked in one geography may well have relevance to others.

We have brought together representatives from many of the world's leading authorities on infrastructure to address this challenge. Together, they offer a mix of new thinking and global perspectives.

Working with Arcadis, KPMG and others we have:

• Created a Forum for the private sector to pool thinking
• Developed a collective view of what the next generation of Hong Kongers need to keep the city competing globally
• Assess the critical success factors to get Hong Kong from concept to realisation faster
• Bring together all parties around an apolitical 'manifesto' for the sustainable development of Hong Kong

This collective is designed to influence thinking irrespective of politics and ideology.

Impact

We have brought together nearly 30 major organisations around a shared agenda. We are delivering a compelling and coherent plan for Hong Kong's future development amongst a broad range of political and other stakeholders. In this way we hope that, in conjunction with our partners, we can play a small part in creating a bright future for Hong Kong.