Traditional Chinese Simplified Chinese Email this article news.gov.hk
CE promotes Hong Kong's "super-connector" role at ASEAN Leadership Forum (with photos/video)
********************************************************

     The Chief Executive, Mr C Y Leung, today (April 26) promoted Hong Kong's unique role as the "super-connector" in the region at the 12th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Leadership Forum in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

     Mr Leung delivered a keynote address at the opening ceremony of the ASEAN Leadership Forum (ALF), an annual high level forum held alongside the ASEAN Summit. The theme of the ALF this year is "Forward ASEAN: One Community, One Vision, One People".

     "When you are in Hong Kong, you are in China - a market with tremendous potential. And, thanks to our 'One Country, Two Systems' arrangement, we share with our international business partners, and that definitely includes our ASEAN partners, the double benefits of 'One Country' and 'Two Systems'," Mr Leung said.

     "I am confident that economic and trade ties between ASEAN and Hong Kong will only continue to grow, indeed, to soar," he added.

     Mr Leung also highlighted that the talks between ASEAN and Hong Kong on a Free Trade Agreement was progressing smoothly. "I look forward to a successful conclusion in the coming year," Mr Leung said.

     Speaking at a dinner with key personalities of chambers and business associations in Malaysia, the Chief Executive said Hong Kong, as the "super-connector" between the Mainland and the world, has long served as the gateway, the superhighway, for global business eager to cash in on the Mainland's vast market promise.

     "Set up manufacturing operations in Hong Kong, produce goods that meet CEPA (Mainland and Hong Kong Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement) origin rules, and your products enter the Mainland, tariff-free. Or simply partner with a Hong Kong company to take advantage of all that CEPA can offer to your products and services," Mr Leung said.

     Mr Leung also said China's "One Belt, One Road" initiatives would benefit Hong Kong. As Mainland China strengthens its economic and trade connections with the Belt-Road countries, Hong Kong can provide Mainland enterprises with a wide range of professional services in the financial and legal areas. The "One Belt, One Road" initiatives will create huge opportunities for Hong Kong's financial services industry and professionals as well as our ASEAN partners, Mr Leung added.

     Mr Leung also joined other ALF speakers at another dinner reception hosted by the Asian Strategy and Leadership Institute.

     During the day, the Chief Executive called on the Prime Minister of Malaysia, Dato' Sri Mohd Najib bin Tun Abdul Razak, and exchanged views on enhancing bilateral trade and economic ties between Hong Kong and Malaysia. Mr Leung also held bilateral meetings with the Prime Minister of Cambodia, Mr Hun Sen; the Prime Minister of Laos, Mr Thongsing Thammavong; the President of Myanmar, Mr Thein Sein; and the Prime Minster of Singapore, Mr Lee Hsien Loong.  At the meetings, Mr Leung encouraged the businesses from the countries to make use of Hong Kong's unique role to expand their operations in the Mainland.

     Upon his arrival yesterday (April 25), Mr Leung met with Hong Kong people living and working in Kuala Lumpur to learn about their everyday lives.

     Mr Leung will meet with the Prime Minister of Thailand, Mr Prayuth Chan-cha, and return to Hong Kong tomorrow (April 27) morning.

Ends/Sunday, April 26, 2015
Issued at HKT 22:30

NNNN

Photo Photo Photo Photo Photo Photo Photo
Print this page