Lee vows to foster integration

Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu has pledged to deepen international ties with support from the mainland and promote economic development in Asia and global economic integration.

Lee said on his Facebook post that the SAR has always advocated free trade and multilateralism and will enhance its capacity to respond to challenges and serve as the best platform for foreign firms seeking access to the mainland and for mainland ones looking to go global.

Lee also reflected on Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang's speech and said that Hong Kong should adopt a "breakthrough" mindset in driving reform.

He emphasized the importance of developing quality productive forces tailored to local conditions, accelerating the construction of an international innovation and technology center, and further consolidating and enhancing the city's status as an international financial, shipping and trade hub.

Lee called for the creation of a high-end talent aggregation center, combining innovative thinking with market forces, to advance the development of the Northern Metropolis and Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone.

He also vowed to further promote the development in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

Additionally, Lee stressed the need for stronger economic ties with Asian countries to explore diverse economic development and enhance national and regional economic stability.

Lee also met United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization director general Qu Dongyu at the forum yesterday and expressed the intention to work with the FAO and promote Hong Kong's successes in mariculture to other regions like Southeast Asia, to support sustainable development.

Cheng Wong