7th June 2023 – (Hong Kong) Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee addressed the Bauhinia Culture Forum today, speaking about the Belt and Road Initiative‘s 10th anniversary. Lee highlighted the importance of the initiative, which has inspired regional and international collaboration in policy, infrastructure, trade, finance, and people-to-people bonds. Over 150 countries and more than 30 international organisations have signed Belt and Road agreements with China, accounting for about 40% of global GDP and 45% of the world’s merchandise trade.
Lee emphasised Hong Kong’s role as a functional platform for the Belt and Road Initiative, which has become a big impetus in forging ties among countries, regions, and peoples. As an international financial center and the world’s largest offshore Renminbi business hub, Hong Kong is committed to supporting the financing needs of Belt and Road companies and their wide-ranging projects and investments. Hong Kong also offers world-class professional services, including feasibility studies, project management, architectural and engineering design, risk management, insurance, legal and arbitration services, and more.
Lee noted that Hong Kong is a natural base from which to expand into thriving markets throughout the Asian region and beyond. To seize the vast opportunities ahead, the Hong Kong SAR Government is busy renewing and building links with Belt and Road countries and regions. Lee led a high-level business delegation to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in February, and a number of potential investors from the Middle East have visited Hong Kong since the trip. The Hong Kong Monetary Authority and the Central Bank of the UAE also recently agreed to boost cooperation in several significant areas, including financial infrastructure, financial market connectivity, and virtual asset regulations and development.
Lee concluded by inviting attendees to join the eighth Belt and Road Summit, jointly organised by the Hong Kong SAR Government and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, on 13th and 14th September. The summit is renowned as one of the largest and most important Belt and Road business and investment platforms for enterprises from Hong Kong, the Mainland, and overseas. Lee expressed his commitment to making a positive difference for the economy and people of Hong Kong, and promoting Hong Kong to other Belt and Road countries and regions to drive high-quality development.