March 31, 2023
HONG KONG – Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu attended on Thursday the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2023 in Hainan and met with the chairman of the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of the State Council.
Lee attended the opening plenary of the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2023, which had the theme “An Uncertain World: Solidarity and Cooperation for Development amid Challenges”, according to a Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government statement.
Lee said that he was impressed by the keynote speech delivered by Premier Li, and that Hong Kong, as a part of the country and of Asia, should keep on capitalizing on its unique advantages of enjoying strong support of the motherland and being closely connected to the world under “one country, two systems”
During the conference, Premier Li Qiang delivered a keynote speech and pointed out the need to jointly safeguard overall peace and stability, build a more vibrant center of growth, explore effective ways of cooperation and jointly promote, deepen and consolidate people-to-people exchanges.
Premier Li also emphasized the importance of harmony and stability to the development of Asia and the world, and that China would always adhere to reform and opening up despite changes in the world.
Lee said that he was impressed by the keynote speech delivered by Premier Li, and that Hong Kong, as a part of the country and of Asia, should keep on capitalizing on its unique advantages of enjoying strong support of the motherland and being closely connected to the world under “one country, two systems”.
He added that the Hong Kong should maintain its international status and spare no efforts in advancing the city’s economic development and prosperity to contribute to the building of “a beautiful Hong Kong and a community of a shared future for mankind”.
Premier Li also mentioned promoting further regional economic integration, enhancing policy coordination from a macro perspective, and the high-quality implementation of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership to promote the formation of a more open regional big market.
Noting that Hong Kong is pressing ahead to seek accession to the RCEP, Lee expressed great gratitude to the country for its continuous support of Hong Kong’s application to join the trade bloc.
The HKSAR government will continue to seek to start negotiations and discussions with member economies of the RCEP early and strive to forge a consensus among all sectors and places in supporting Hong Kong’s accession, he said.
In the afternoon, Lee met with Chairman of the SASAC Zhang Yuzhuo and he expressed his gratitude to the commission for its strong support for the HKSAR government in promoting the the Belt and Road Initiative.
Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu (second right), meets with Chairman of the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of the State Council Zhang Yuzhuo (second left), during the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2023 in Hainan on March 30, 2023. Looking on is Director of the Chief Executive’s Office Carol Yip Man-kuen (first right). (PHOTO / HKSAR GOVERNMENT)
Noting that this year marks the 10th anniversary of the BRI, Lee said he hoped that the SASAC could continue to support the HKSAR government and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council in organizing the eighth Belt and Road Summit.
He said that Hong Kong would continue to capitalize on its unique advantages of enjoying the strong support of the motherland and being connected to the world, and that he looked forward to deepening cooperation with the SASAC to jointly promote the development of the BRI and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.
Zhang expressed his heartfelt gratitude to Hong Kong for its long-term support and assistance to state-owned enterprises.
He said that, in recent years, state-owned enterprises have been conscientiously studying and implementing President Xi Jinping’s important statements on the work in Hong Kong and Macao, and upholding the principle of “one country, two systems” fully, faithfully and resolutely.
They have also maintained good communication and co-operation with various Hong Kong enterprises with remarkable results achieved, Zhang said.
Looking ahead, he said that the SASAC would conscientiously study and implement the spirit of the important speech delivered by President Xi at the meeting celebrating the 25th anniversary of Hong Kong’s return to the motherland.
Zhang said that the SASAC would continue to firmly support the HKSAR government in governing Hong Kong in accordance with the law, and is willing to enhance its exchange and cooperation mechanism with the SAR and guide and promote state-owned enterprises in combining their strengths with the needs of the country and the advantages of the city.
Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu poses for a groufie with youth volunteers from Hong Kong and Macao at the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2023 in Hainan on March 30, 2023. (PHOTO / HKSAR GOVERNMENT)
The SASAC would also actively participate in Hong Kong’s development into an international innovation and technology center, jointly participate with Hong Kong in high-quality construction projects of the BRI and promoting the development of the Greater Bay Area, and facilitate Hong Kong’s consolidation and enhancement of its competitive advantages.
Lee later attended a certificate presentation ceremony for Hong Kong and Macao youth volunteers and the Boao Forum for Asia and Hainan Provincial Government Joint Welcome Dinner. He will return to Hong Kong on Friday.