Southeast Asia Information Port (www.dnyxxg.com) – On March 31st local time, Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee attended APEC-related activities in South Korea.
According to the Hong Kong SAR Government Information Services Department, Lee attended the informal dialogue between APEC leaders and host country guests, exchanging views with other economic leaders on issues such as promoting trade and investment and strengthening public-private partnerships to address global challenges. In his remarks, Lee stated that in the face of global economic uncertainty, strengthening trade and investment cooperation is key to promoting economic growth and development. As one of the world's freest economies, Hong Kong possesses an internationalized and market-oriented business environment and will continue to actively uphold the rules-based multilateral trading system and promote regional economic cooperation, working together to develop an open, dynamic, resilient, and peaceful Asia-Pacific community.
During his APEC activities, Lee met with Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong. The two sides exchanged views on bilateral trade and economic relations, cultural exchanges, and cooperation opportunities.
Lee stated that Singapore is Hong Kong's fourth largest trading partner and its largest merchandise trading partner in ASEAN, and the two sides enjoy close economic and trade relations. Hong Kong enjoys the dual advantages of national and international opportunities under the "One Country, Two Systems" principle and is committed to deepening international exchanges and cooperation. He welcomed Singaporean companies to leverage Hong Kong's role as a "super-connector" and "super-value-added agent," strengthening cooperation with Hong Kong in cutting-edge technology fields through investment in the Northern Metropolitan Area and seizing the enormous market potential of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. He also thanked Singapore for its continued support for Hong Kong's early accession to the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).
During his meeting with IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva, Lee Ka-chiu stated that Hong Kong, as one of the world's three major financial centers, will seize the opportunities presented by global investors' asset reallocation, continuously reforming its capital markets, facilitating corporate financing, enhancing market liquidity, and prudently promoting financial innovation to foster the sustainable development of the financial services industry. He looked forward to continuing close cooperation with the IMF, contributing to regional and global economic prosperity through Hong Kong's financial stability and innovation.
On the same day, Lee Ka-chiu also met with Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. John Lee stated that Middle Eastern countries have experienced rapid development in recent years, and Hong Kong values its economic and trade relations with the member states of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). He mentioned that trade relations between Hong Kong and the UAE are flourishing, and he hopes the UAE will support the facilitation of a free trade agreement between Hong Kong and the GCC as a whole, further facilitating and enhancing economic and trade cooperation between Hong Kong and GCC countries. (End)
