Lee hails benefits of Greater Bay Area for HK

Stacy Shi

Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu highlighted Hong Kong's active participation in the Greater Bay Area development and the benefits it has reaped from it.

Lee described the GBA as the most economically dynamic and open region in the country.

He said the nine mainland cities within the GBA represent the most externally oriented economic regions in China and serve as vital conduits for external liberalization, showcasing high levels of innovation.

With Hong Kong's status as an international financial, shipping and trading hub - coupled with its world-class business environment and the unique advantages of the one country, two systems principle - Lee expressed confidence that the SAR could effectively complement the strengths of other cities in the GBA.

Also, Lee said that the GBA, equipped with numerous seaports and airports, is actively working to establish an effective international transportation and logistics hub.

Lee also acknowledged that the GBA's clear regional advantages would drive efforts to establish interconnected city clusters, facilitating the efficient movement of people, goods, funds and information within the region.

Lee indicated that resuming and expanding the multiple-entry individual visit scheme for Shenzhen residents would enable millions of Shenzhen citizens to visit Hong Kong, further invigorating the city's tourism, catering and retail sectors.

In a separate engagement, Lee departed for Beijing yesterday for a four-day duty visit, accompanied by Director of the Chief Executive's Office Carol Yip Man-kuen and his Private Secretary Vicki Kwok Wong Wing-Ki. He is scheduled to brief President Xi Jinping on Hong Kong's latest economic, social and political developments tomorrow before returning on Saturday.

stacy.shi@singtaonewscorp.com