CE meets with delegation of overseas government officials (with photo)

     The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, met with members of a visiting delegation of overseas government officials today (December 9) to exchange views on deepening co-operation and issues of mutual concern. The Director of the Chief Executive's Office, Ms Carol Yip, also attended the meeting.

     Mr Lee expressed his gratitude for the thoughtful arrangements made by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) for inviting high-profile government officials from 12 countries across Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and Oceania to visit Hong Kong, enhancing exchanges and co-operation between Hong Kong and countries around the world.

     During the meeting, Mr Lee introduced the advantages and development opportunities of Hong Kong to the members of the delegation. Mr Lee highlighted that Hong Kong has the distinctive advantage of enjoying the strong support of the motherland and being closely connected to the world under "one country, two systems", serving as an international financial, shipping, and trade centre. As the world's freest economy, Hong Kong boasts a highly internationalised, market-oriented, and friendly business environment, making it an ideal place for companies to expand their global operations. He welcomed businesses worldwide to use Hong Kong as a platform to explore overseas and Mainland markets, achieving mutual benefits.

     Noting that Hong Kong has been expanding its global economic and trade networks, Mr Lee said that Hong Kong has signed 24 investment agreements covering 33 economies, as well as nine free trade agreements covering 21 economies to date, including the free trade agreement signed with Peru last month. Mr Lee said he looks forward to strengthening co-operation with governments of various countries in the future to help businesses explore more opportunities and promote cultural exchanges.

     The delegation is visiting Hong Kong from December 8 to 11, during which they will meet with Principal Officials of the HKSAR Government, Legislative Council Members, and representatives of other major institutions. The delegation will also visit the West Kowloon Cultural District and the Hong Kong Science Park to learn about the latest developments in Hong Kong.