The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, continued his visit to Jakarta, Indonesia, this morning (January 9).
In the morning, he called on the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People's Republic of China to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Ms Hou Yanqi, to learn about the connections and co-operation between the country and ASEAN member states. They also exchanged views on how Hong Kong can better leverage its roles and functions as a "super connector" and "super value-adder", make further contributions in various areas, and promote closer people-to-people bonds. The Chairman of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), Dr Peter Lam, and the Executive Director of the HKTDC, Ms Margaret Fong, also joined the meeting.
Mr Chan then met with the Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr Kao Kim Hourn, at its headquarters. During the meeting, they actively discussed ways to strengthen exchanges and co-operation in areas such as commerce, innovation and technology (I&T), digital economy, tourism, culture, education and youth between Hong Kong and ASEAN. In particular, Mr Chan expressed gratitude to ASEAN for its support for Hong Kong's accession to the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership. He said that Hong Kong is steadfast in supporting and practising a rules-based multilateral trading system, and will actively and continuously promote trade and bilateral investments with ASEAN member states, on the basis of the Free Trade Agreement between Hong Kong and ASEAN. Hong Kong will also share knowledge, technologies and experience in fields including I&T and professional services, with a view to fostering more mutually beneficial collaboration.
Mr Chan will depart for Hong Kong this afternoon local time and arrive in Hong Kong tonight.
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