CE attends plenary of Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2026 (with photo)
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Member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, Mr Zhao Leji, delivered a keynote speech at the event. He noted that over the past 25 years, the Boao Forum for Asia, grounded in Asia and oriented to the world, has deepened dialogue and co-operation and built broad consensus, becoming a "golden brand" for promoting exchanges and mutual learning, unity and collaboration in development among Asian countries and the international community. In today's world, people across countries have a stronger desire for peace and development, and calls for fairness and justice are growing louder.
Chairman Zhao stressed that, in the face of changes to the world, to our times and to history, President Xi Jinping has put forward the vision of building a global community of shared future, as well as the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, the Global Civilization Initiative and the Global Governance Initiative, pointing the world in the right direction amid the once-in-a-century transformation. He noted that all sides should follow the trend of the times towards peace, development, co-operation and win-win outcomes, work together to build a better home in Asia, and join hands in constructing a global community of shared future. He emphasised the need to reject conflict and confrontation and create a future of peace and tranquillity; reject isolation and exclusion and create a future of co-operation and win-win outcomes; reject power politics and bullying and create a future of fairness and justice; and reject suspicion and discord and create a future of mutual respect and trust.
Mr Lee said that Chairman Zhao's words were truly invaluable. They hit the nail on the head with respect to the current international situation. Under "one country, two systems", Hong Kong has the distinctive advantages of enjoying strong support of the motherland and being closely connected to the world, making it the only open economy that simultaneously benefits from the strengths of both China and the global community. Amid a complex and volatile external environment, Hong Kong has always firmly upheld free trade and multilateralism, resolutely opposed unilateralism and protectionism, and continuously strengthened its resilience to withstand risks and respond to changing circumstances. As such, it has consistently served as the optimal bridge and platform for foreign enterprises seeking to establish a foothold in the Chinese Mainland market and for mainland enterprises looking to expand overseas. With the continued growth of the national economy, Hong Kong should seize this valuable opportunity and proactively pursue breakthroughs in its development.
Mr Lee said that over the past few years, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government has been committed to leading the business sector in exploring markets in the Middle East, Southeast Asia, among others, expanding the landscape for external co-operation. Looking ahead, Hong Kong should direct its focus towards more emerging markets, exploring broader horizons for development. While integrating into and serving the country's overall development, Hong Kong should continue to deepen international engagement and collaboration, working with Asian countries to solidify the foundation of mutual trust, deepen openness and connectivity, pursue mutual benefit and win-win outcomes, and safeguard peace and stability. In doing so, it will contribute to the steady growth of Asia's economy and help steer the global economy towards greater inclusiveness, shared benefits and common progress.
In addition, Chairman Zhao gave an insightful exposition on the current state of China's economic development and its future prospects. He noted that China is always committed to growing the economy, improving people's livelihoods, and, while pursuing its own development, promoting common development among all countries. He pointed out that the outline of the 15th Five-Year Plan sets out the main objectives and major tasks for the country's development over the next five years, and that China will fully, accurately and comprehensively implement the new development philosophy, accelerate the establishment of a new development landscape, and strive to promote high-quality development.
Mr Lee said that Chairman Zhao's keynote speech conveyed a clear and positive signal: China will further expand high-standard opening up and share opportunities with countries around the world; will continue to boost domestic demand and steadily unlock the dividends of its super-sized market; will remain committed to innovative development and continuously unleash new drivers of growth; will uphold free trade and steadily deepen international co-operation; will stay committed to the rule of law and steadily improve the business environment; and welcomes enterprises from around the world to explore and deepen their presence in the Chinese market, which will remain a fertile ground for foreign investment and business growth for years to come. This fully demonstrates the strong resilience and broad prospects of the Chinese economy, and further strengthens confidence in its future development.
Mr Lee said that with the escalation of conflicts in the Middle East and ongoing geopolitical tensions, Hong Kong, as a globally recognised safe harbour for capital stability, possesses a sound financial system and advantages in professional services. It can provide more quality financial services to the business communities of various countries, attract global capital, and jointly pursue high-quality and sustainable development. Amid a complex and severe external environment, Hong Kong should stand firm, proceed with determination, firmly grasp the unique advantages under the "one country, two systems" principle, and make every effort to pursue economic growth, advance development, foster integration, and proactively integrate into and serve the overall national development. The National 15th Five-Year Plan explicitly supports accelerating the development of the Northern Metropolis. Hong Kong will actively advance the preparation of its first five-year plan, steadily progress various development projects, and deepen reforms with a sense of urgency and unwavering determination. Hong Kong will cultivate and strengthen new quality productive forces based on its actual conditions, accelerate the development of an international innovation and technology centre, continuously consolidate and enhance its status as an international financial, shipping and trade centre, and focus on building an international hub for high-calibre talent.
Mr Lee also mentioned that Hong Kong will fully harness the latest frontier technologies and artificial intelligence, continue to invigorate market vitality, advance the development of the Northern Metropolis and the Hong Kong Park of the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone, vigorously promote the high-quality development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, and deeply align with national strategies. At the same time, Hong Kong will ensure the successful hosting of the Asia‑Pacific Economic Cooperation Finance Ministers' Meeting, and will continue to strengthen practical co-operation with Asian countries, expand diverse areas of collaboration, jointly explore new paths for development, shape a shared future for Asia, and contribute positively to the country's economic development as well as to regional prosperity and stability in Asia.
Mr Lee returned to Hong Kong today.
Ends/Thursday, March 26, 2026
Issued at HKT 20:09
Issued at HKT 20:09
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