CE visits Thailand (with video)

     The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, visited Bangkok, Thailand, today (May 14). She attended the 74th session of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) and also met with the Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand, Mr Somkid Jatusripitak.
 
     In the morning, Mrs Lam delivered a keynote speech at the opening of the Ministerial Segment of the 74th session of ESCAP with “Inequality in the Era of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development” as the theme. She shared with participants Hong Kong’s experience in promoting social inclusion and environmental protection to achieve sustainable development. 
 
     Mrs Lam said that the successful implementation of the “one country, two systems” principle since Hong Kong’s return to the motherland has laid the foundation for the city's continued prosperity and stability. She added that Hong Kong will seize the opportunities brought about by the Belt and Road Initiative and strive to promote economic development, which she stressed should be inclusive and beneficial to all.
 
     Noting that Hong Kong is one of the safest and most efficient cities in the world and has accumulated a lot of experience in city management, covering areas such as firefighting, flood prevention, slope stabilisation, aviation safety and railway operation, she said Hong Kong is pleased to help and share experience in capacity building with emerging economies, as part of the city’s contribution to the promotion of people-to-people bonds in the global environment. On environmental protection, Mrs Lam outlined Hong Kong’s targets and actions in combating climate change and reducing carbon emissions. She said that various countries should embrace greater co-operation across political, economic and social boundaries to achieve the common goals.

     At noon, Mrs Lam attended a lunch hosted by the Deputy Prime Minister to exchange views on strengthening co-operation between Hong Kong and Thailand. Mrs Lam said she was pleased to note that the Thai Government responded positively to her proposal in the Policy Address delivered last year to establish in Bangkok the third Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, and that preparatory work is making good progress. It is hoped that the Office can commence operation early next year.

     In the afternoon, Mrs Lam met with the Head of the China delegation to the 74th session of ESCAP, Mr Zhang Jun. She expressed her gratitude to the Central Government for its support for the participation of Hong Kong as an associate member in the annual session of ESCAP and related work over the years. Also attending the meeting were the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China to the Kingdom of Thailand, Mr Lyu Jian, and the Permanent Representative of China to ESCAP, Mr Li Hong.
　　
     Mrs Lam departed Bangkok after the meeting and returned to Hong Kong in the evening.