Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu delivers a speech at a mainland reception jointly held by Invest Hong Kong and the Hong Kong Chinese Enterprises Association in the city on Feb 14, 2023. (PHOTO COURTESY OF HKSAR GOVERNMENT)

HONG KONG – Fully aligned with various national strategies, Hong Kong – with its strategic location in Asia and business-friendly environment – remains extremely attractive to businesses from all over the world, the city’s leader said on Tuesday.

Under the 'one country, two systems' policy, Hong Kong has the distinctive advantages of enjoying strong support of the motherland and being closely connected to the world, John Lee Ka-chiu said while delivering a speech at a mainland reception co-hosted by Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) and the Hong Kong Chinese Enterprises Association (HKCEA). 

ALSO READ: Boosting cooperation: HK leader to visit mainland GBA cities

Hong Kong fully aligns with various national strategies including the 14th Five-Year Plan, the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area development and the Belt and Road Initiative, injecting continuous impetus into the growth of the economy.

John Lee, Chief Executive, HKSAR

Pointing out the city’s rich experience in international connections, he said: “Hong Kong helps attract foreign investment to the country and, on the other, it helps mainland enterprises search for business opportunities in overseas markets, working together in promoting the economic development of the country and Hong Kong.”

Hong Kong fully aligns with various national strategies including the 14th Five-Year Plan, the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area development and the Belt and Road Initiative, injecting continuous impetus into the growth of the economy, he added.

The event received around 700 representatives from the mainland business community in Hong Kong in recognition of their contributions to the special administrative region’s economy, according to a news release issued by the government.

The event was co-organized by the Chinese Banking Association of Hong Kong, the Chinese Securities Association of Hong Kong and the Chinese Asset Management Association of Hong Kong. 

In his welcome remarks, InvestHK's Director-General of Investment Promotion Stephen Phillips said, "I know we are all looking forward to a program of high impact visits and quality events in the months ahead to make great things happen. And at InvestHK, we will continue to help you identify opportunities to grow your business in and via Hong Kong at every step of the way."

Chairman of the HKCEA, Miao Jianmin, said Chinese enterprises have strong confidence in Hong Kong and have a lot to accomplish. 

READ MORE: Hong Kong ready to serve as critical gateway to BRI

The HKCEA will continue to support Chinese enterprises to leverage their strengths in making more investments in grass-root charitable causes to help the city overcome livelihood issues and create a better future for young people, he added.

(Front row, left) InvestHK's Director-General of Investment Promotion, Stephen Phillips; Director-General of the Economic Affairs Department of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government (LOCPG) in the HKSAR, Xu Weigang; Honorary Chairman of the Hong Kong Chinese Enterprises Association (HKCEA), Shen Xiaochu; Honorary Chairman of the HKCEA, Wang Xiangming; Deputy Director of the LOCPG in the HKSAR, Yin Zonghua; Chief Executive John Lee; Chairman of the HKCEA, Miao Jianmin; Honorary Chairman of the HKCEA, Wang Sidong; Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Algernon Yau; Deputy Director-General of the Economic Affairs Department and Head of the Commercial Office of the LOCPG in the HKSAR, Liu Yajun; Director-General of the Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises, Philip Yung, with Vice Chairmen of the HKCEA and guests toast at the mainland reception co-hosted by Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) and the HKCEA. (PHOTO COURTESY OF HKSAR GOVERNMENT)

Deputy Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the HKSAR Yin Zonghua attended the reception as a guest of honor. 

A booklet featuring the development milestones and success stories of mainland companies in Hong Kong and highlighting key national and regional economic initiatives was launched at the event.