2014 captured in words that really matter

2. Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect

The Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect is related to the internationalization of the RMB. It allows offshore RMB funds to officially invest in the mainland stock market. It is expected to bring lots of opportunities to mainland and Hong Kong investors. It is a pioneering program where investors from a free market can invest in a closed market, or nearly closed market.

－Simon Lee, senior lecturer of the School of Accountancy and Co-Director of Integrated BBA Program at The Chinese University of Hong Kong.

3. Occupy Central

The Occupy Central movement is about democracy in Hong Kong, the most modern city in China. It is a testing point for others to know the view of mainland leaders on democracy and the adoption of the Western, or so-called "universal", system. China wants to exercise more influence in the world with its economic, military and political power. The way they handle the movement will give insights to people inside and outside China on how the leaders treat economic and political development. At least we see people in Taiwan are concerned about the outcome of the movement.

－Simon Lee, senior lecturer of the School of Accountancy and Co-Director of Integrated BBA Program at The Chinese University of Hong Kong

4. Silk Road (Economic Belt)

This year is an important year for the Silk Road proposal. It is not simply about bridging Asian and European countries. The connectivity will bring enormous opportunities to all countries on the road. And some of China's development experiences can be shared. I expect more movement in the coming year. The platform is already set up.

－Chen Fengying, director of the Institute of World Economic Studies at the China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations