22nd September 2023 – (Zhejiang) The Chief Executive of Hong Kong, Mr John Lee, has embarked on a four-day visit to Hangzhou in Zhejiang province, leading a delegation from the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR). The purpose of the visit is to attend the opening ceremony of the 19th Asian Games Hangzhou (Asian Games) and engage in various activities.
Upon their arrival this morning, Mr Lee and the delegation met with Hong Kong residents and representatives of Hong Kong enterprises in Zhejiang. This provided an opportunity for an exchange of views and insights, allowing Mr Lee to gain a deeper understanding of their work and daily lives. Acknowledging the close relationship between Hong Kong and Zhejiang in terms of business and cultural exchanges, Mr Lee emphasized the vital role played by Hong Kong people and enterprises in strengthening the bond between the two regions. The Zhejiang Liaison Unit of the HKSAR Government will continue to actively promote and support exchanges and cooperation between Hong Kong and Zhejiang in various domains, while facilitating the growth and development of Hong Kong residents and enterprises in the region.
In the afternoon, Mr Lee visited the athletes’ village of the Asian Games, where he had the opportunity to tour the state-of-the-art facilities. He also met with Hong Kong athletes, offering words of encouragement and support as they prepared for their respective events. With a record-breaking team of 680 athletes representing Hong Kong in this year’s Asian Games, Mr Lee expressed his confidence in their abilities and urged them to give their utmost to bring honour to Hong Kong.
Later in the day, Mr Lee participated in the launch ceremony of a youth exchange program between Hangzhou and Hong Kong. Addressing the attendees, he encouraged Hong Kong youth currently on exchange in Hangzhou to seize this unique opportunity to observe and experience China’s development as a sports powerhouse and the country’s distinctive approach to major-country diplomacy. He also urged them to serve as ambassadors for Hong Kong’s youth, sharing positive stories about Hong Kong and promoting Chinese culture to athletes, spectators, and volunteers from around the world.
The visit will continue, with Mr Lee scheduled to attend the highly anticipated opening ceremony of the Asian Games tomorrow. This significant event marks an exciting opportunity for Hong Kong to showcase its sporting talents and foster cross-cultural exchanges on an international stage.