John Lee trades hopes with Anwar

Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu arrived yesterday in Kuala Lumpur - the last stop of his southeast Asian trip - where he met Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim as well as other local officials.

He was welcomed on arrival by Chinese ambassador to Malaysia, Ouyang Yujing.

Lee and his delegation then visited Anwar in the morning, saying it was his pleasure to be able to meet Anwar for the first time.

"I am glad to note the Malaysian government's commitment to be a pro-trade, pro-investment and pro-tourism country," he said.

He said Hong Kong and Malaysia enjoy close and longstanding ties in trade and investment.

Last year, bilateral trade in goods grew by 7 percent year on year to reach US$28.1 billion (HK$219.2 billion), making Malaysia the ninth-largest trading partner and the third-largest among Association of Southeast Asian Nations members with Hong Kong.

"We are fully committed to enhancing our relations with Malaysia and ASEAN," Lee said.

He added that for the rest of his trip, he and his delegation would continue to share Hong Kong's good stories with his good friends in ASEAN.

Anwar said Lee had expressed his appreciation for the 90-day visa exemption decision given to SAR passport holders on June 28, from the previously 30 days.

"This will contribute to increased business and tourism activities, as well as people-to-people exchanges," Anwar said.

The two leaders also covered issues such as cooperation on trade, investment, finance, the transit rail system, education and tourism. Lee said the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Jakarta will continue to work closely with National Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Malaysia and the local business community to enhance bilateral relationships.

Anwar cited Lee as saying he would consider opening a trade branch in Malaysia.

Lee later attended a luncheon hosted by Ouyang. He expressed his gratitude to Ouyang and the embassy for supporting SAR efforts to strive for early accession to the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership.

Lee then attended a dinner banquet with members.

Lee returns to the SAR tomorrow.