The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, accompanied by the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Edward Yau, and the Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr James Lau, continued her visit to London, the United Kingdom (UK), today (September 21, London time).

      In the morning, Mrs Lam and the other officials attended the "Think Asia, Think Hong Kong" symposium organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council. Attended by over 1 000 people from political and business sectors, the symposium showcased Hong Kong's business services advantages for UK companies seeking opportunities in Asia.

      Addressing the event, she said that Hong Kong enjoys unique advantages under "one country, two systems" and its close relationship with the Mainland. Coupled with the national development strategies of the Belt and Road Initiative and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Bay Area, as well as the Hong Kong-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement to be signed soon, Hong Kong is the preferred location for doing business in Asia of enterprises worldwide. Noting that Asia continues to drive global economic growth, she said that she welcomes British enterprises to partner with Hong Kong, an international financial, shipping and trading centre, to explore new business opportunities in the region.

      In the afternoon, Mrs Lam and the other officials met with the First Secretary of State and Minister for the Cabinet Office of the UK, Mr Damian Green, and the Secretary of State for International Trade, Dr Liam Fox, at the Prime Minister's Office. Mrs Lam said that Hong Kong has successfully implemented "one country, two systems" and, as the city marks the 20th anniversary of its return to the motherland and with the support of the country, continues to strengthen its status as an international business and financial centre.

     She said that with the rule of law and judicial independence, a clean and efficient Government, a fair business environment and a rich pool of talent, Hong Kong continues to stride forward. She remarked that Hong Kong and the UK have strong and long-standing ties and are close trading and business partners. She said she welcomed the Strategic Dialogue on Trade Partnership agreed by both sides to further study the strengthening of bilateral trade, and looked forward to closer collaboration with the UK in different areas including art and culture, and innovation and technology.

     Mrs Lam and other officials then attended a luncheon hosted by the All Party Parliamentary China Group at the House of Commons. During the luncheon, Mrs Lam exchanged views with the Group's members on various issues in the UK and Hong Kong, including housing, urban planning, smart city initiatives and heritage conservation.

     Afterwards, Mrs Lam and other officials attended a gathering with awardees under the Hong Kong Scholarship for Excellence Scheme who are studying in the UK to learn about their lives and studies. She said that the new-term Government attaches great importance to young people and will provide more opportunities for them by developing a diversified economy. She encouraged the attendees to return to Hong Kong after graduation to contribute to the Hong Kong community.

     Mrs Lam and Mr Yau later paid a visit to the Victoria and Albert Museum and toured the exhibition of the London Design Festival there.

     In the evening, Mrs Lam, Mr Yau and Mr Lau called on the Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to the UK, Mr Liu Xiaoming, to thank the embassy for its continuous support in various exchanges between Hong Kong and the UK, and the assistance it offers to Hong Kong people in need. 

     Mrs Lam will continue her visit to London tomorrow (September 22, London time).

Ends/Friday, September 22, 2017
Issued at HKT 3:00

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