Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor (5th right), Governor of Sichuan province Huang Qiang (5th left) and other delegates pose for a photo during the 2021 Pan-Pearl River Delta Regional Co-operation Chief Executive Joint Conference in Chengdu, Sichuan, on Sept 24, 2021. (PHOTO / HKSAR GOVT)
HONG KONG – Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor said on Friday the SAR will serve as a bridge for Pan-Pearl River Delta (PPRD) enterprises’ participation in the Belt and Road Initiative and expansion of overseas markets.
Lam made the remarks during the 2021 Pan-Pearl River Delta Regional Co-operation Chief Executive Joint Conference, which was held in Chengdu, Sichuan province. A delegation from the HKSAR government, led by Lam, participated in the meeting.
The PPRD platform, which has been established for many years, is our focus of enhancing co-operation.
Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor, HKSAR chief executive
“The PPRD platform, which has been established for many years, is our focus of enhancing cooperation,” Lam was quoted as saying in a statement.
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During the meeting, Lam discussed various matters with other government leaders of the PPRD regions, including enhancing the connection of various key national strategies in the region, fostering domestic and international dual circulation, and jointly participating in the high-quality development of the New Land and Marine Routes for Western Regions, according to the statement.
Lam said the HKSAR government has strengthened support for Hong Kong businesses, and encouraged them to capitalize on the huge markets in the PPRD region.
Hong Kong will give full play to its strengths on international experiences, modern services and professional talents, Lam said, adding that the city will serve as a bridge for PPRD enterprises' participation in the BRI and expansion of overseas markets.
On civil aviation and maritime transport, Lam uged companies in the PPRD region to make good use of Hong Kong's high‑end maritime services.
Meanwhile, Lam also called on members of the PPRD to mutually enhance cultural exchanges and promote inheritance of Chinese culture.
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The PPRD is an important regional cooperation platform which accounts for more than one-third of the country's population and gross domestic product.
It covers nine provinces and regions, including Fujian, Jiangxi, Hunan, Guangdong, Guangxi, Hainan, Sichuan, Guizhou and Yunnan, as well as the Hong Kong and Macao SARs.