CE attends APEC meetings in Peru (with photos)

     The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, continued his visit in Lima, Peru, on November 16 (Lima time). He attended the 31st Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting to exchange views with leaders of other economies on issues including trade and investment for inclusive and interconnected growth, innovation and digitalisation to promote  transition to the formal and global economy, and sustainable growth for resilient development.

     This year, APEC has adopted the theme "Empower. Include. Grow". Speaking at the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting Retreat in the morning, Mr Lee pointed out that innovation and digitalisation are key drivers in propelling prosperity and inclusive growth. Noting that Hong Kong is proactively applying innovation and technology to develop new quality productive forces, Mr Lee stated that Hong Kong has directed efforts and resources to boost new industrialisation, advance the development of artificial intelligence, encourage cross-disciplinary research and development, and promote the integration of the real economy and the digital economy. On sustainability, Mr Lee mentioned that Hong Kong launched the Strategy of Hydrogen Development in Hong Kong in June this year, not only to seize opportunities brought about by the development of hydrogen energy, but also to facilitate matching between capital and quality green projects, in order to promote the green transformation of economies.

     Mr Lee noted that Hong Kong has put forward a series of measures to deepen reforms, exploring new growth areas and addressing public needs to create a better and more inclusive society. He expressed his hope to work with APEC member economies to contribute to the promotion of regional economic integration and development.

     In the afternoon, Mr Lee met with members of Hong Kong, China's delegates to APEC Voices of the Future (VOF) to learn about their experiences in joining the event. The VOF is an official youth exchange programme of APEC aiming at nurturing the next generation of leaders of the Asia-Pacific region. It provides a platform for the youth from different economies to interact and learn. Young delegates from different economies will jointly draft a Youth Declaration during APEC meetings, allowing leaders from different economies to understand the issues and visions that concern young people. Mr Lee said that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government attaches great importance to youth development, striving to nurture a new generation of young people with an affection for the country and Hong Kong and equipped with global perspectives, an aspiring mindset and positive thinking. Noting that this year's Policy Address strengthens the support for youth development, Mr Lee encouraged young people to leverage the opportunities brought by the relevant measures to make plans for the future of Hong Kong.

     In the evening, Mr Lee had a dinner with local business leaders in Peru. Speaking at the dinner, Mr Lee said that the Free Trade Agreement signed between Hong Kong and Peru signifies a stronger partnership and facilitates commercial exchanges between the two economies, bringing more business opportunities to Hong Kong and Peruvian enterprises.

     Mr Lee concluded his visit to Peru and will return to Hong Kong on November 19 (Hong Kong time).