The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, met with the Secretary of the CPC Shenzhen Municipal Committee, Mr Jin Lei, at Government House today (September 10) to exchange views on deepening co-operation between Hong Kong and Shenzhen. They also witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding and a number of agreements between the two places. Also attending the meeting were the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki; the Deputy Financial Secretary, Mr Michael Wong; the Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui; the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau; the Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, Miss Janice Tse Siu-wa; the Acting Secretary for Security, Mr Michael Cheuk; and the Director of the Chief Executive's Office, Ms Carol Yip.
      
     Mr Lee welcomed Mr Jin and his delegation to Hong Kong. He said that Hong Kong and Shenzhen have long maintained close ties in areas such as economic and trade and people-to-people exchanges. Under the Hong Kong/Shenzhen co-operation mechanism, the two places have established various task forces to continuously enhance collaboration in different key areas. The Memorandum of Understanding and agreements signed today cover a number of areas, including finance, innovation and technology (I&T) and support services for enterprises going global, further advancing broader, deeper and higher-level co-operation between Hong Kong and Shenzhen. The two places will continue to work together to inject stronger impetus into the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.
      
     Mr Lee said that, under the "one country, two systems" principle, Hong Kong enjoys the unique advantage of connecting the Mainland and the world. Hong Kong will continue to leverage its strengths as an international financial centre and its roles as a "super connector" and a "super value-adder". Through the Task Force on Supporting Mainland Enterprises in Going Global, Hong Kong will continue to serve Mainland enterprises, including those in Shenzhen, in expanding into international markets. China is the host of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) in 2026, and the 33rd APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting will be held in Shenzhen. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government will spare no effort in ensuring the success of the APEC Finance Ministers' Meeting to be held in Hong Kong, further deepen international exchanges and co-operation, and better integrate into and serve the overall national development.
      
     Mr Lee said that Hong Kong's First Five-Year Plan, to be announced soon, will set out a blueprint for Hong Kong's future development and enable the city to seize the enormous opportunities brought by the National 15th Five-Year Plan. Hong Kong is pressing ahead at full speed with the development of the Northern Metropolis. According to the Global Innovation Index 2026, the Shenzhen-Hong Kong-Guangzhou innovation cluster again ranked first globally, fully demonstrating the strong capabilities and broad prospects of Hong Kong and Shenzhen in I&T development. The HKSAR Government will continue to promote the collaborative development of the "one zone, two parks" concept of the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone, and jointly contribute to the country's development into a nation that is strong in science and technology. At the same time, the HKSAR Government is making every effort to prepare for the smooth commissioning of the Huanggang Port. More than 100 system tests and drills of varying scales have been conducted and port operation arrangements are being continuously optimised, with the aim of further enhancing cross-boundary clearance efficiency and the service capacity of the port, to promote more efficient synergy between Hong Kong and Shenzhen.

Ends/Thursday, September 10, 2026
Issued at HKT 19:30

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