Financial Secretary Paul Chan said on Wednesday that the Greater Bay Area is developing into one of the top megalopolis and bay areas in the world, and Hong Kong should take a leading role in its development.

At a seminar on the area hosted by the Our Hong Kong Foundation, Chan said the SAR shouldn't limit itself but set its sights on the Greater Bay, so as to contribute to the country's development.

He said with the completion of cross-border infrastructure in recent years, it's easier to get around the Greater Bay Area and this helps with economic integration and co-operation.

The minister said Hong Kong has played a pioneer role in the country's reforms and opening up, and the joint development shouldn't be limited to finance, innovation and technology.

"Actually, the country's 14th Five Year Plan states that Hong Kong's future development direction includes international aviation hub, regional intellectual property and trade centre and an art and cultural hub where east meets west," he said.

"In these areas, Hong Kong and other Greater Bay Area cities can complement each other or even join hands, these are all promising developments."

Speaking at the same function, Deng Zhonghua, the president of the Chinese Association of Hong Kong and Macau Studies, said Hong Kong can contribute to the opening up of the Greater Bay Area by sharing its experience in its systems.

Deng, who left Beijing's Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office earlier this year, added that Hong Kong also has the advantages of its talent pool and technology.