Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu (left) meets the Minister of Finance Liu Kun in Beijing, China, on March 14, 2023. (PHOTO / HKSAR GOVERNMENT)
HONG KONG – Minister of Finance Liu Kun on Tuesday pledged to support Hong Kong to give full play to its unique advantages, to carry out international cooperation, as well as its integration into the overall development of the country.
The ministaer's pledge came during his meeting with John Lee Ka-chiu, chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, in Beijing.
The Ministry of Finance was the first central authority on Lee’s visit. After attending the closing meeting of the first session of the 14th National People’s Congress on Monday, Lee plans to call on various central authorities during his visit. He will return to Hong Kong on March 18.
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The financial sector accounts for more than 20 percent of Hong Kong's gross domestic product and 7 percent of its jobs, said the HK leader
In his opening remarks, Liu said President Xi Jinping spoke highly of Lee for leading the SAR government to take responsibility in uniting various sectors and safeguarding national security, as well as vigorously revitalizing the economy and promptly responding to residents’ concerns.
Lee’s performance has demonstrated the new look of “patriots administering Hong Kong”, with the SAR making steady progress in applying the “one country, two systems” policy, he said.
Describing the timing of the meeting as good, the finance minister said he had paid close attention to Lee’s trip to Beijing and he will learn from Lee.
Lee, in response, thanked the central government and the Ministry of Finance for supporting Hong Kong in consolidating its position as an international financial center, saying that the development of the financial sector has always been a priority for Hong Kong.
The financial sector, an important engine for the city, accounts for more than 20 percent of Hong Kong's gross domestic product and 7 percent of its jobs, said the CE.
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The meeting was also attended by Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury Christopher Hui Ching-yu, Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Erick Tsang Kwok-wai and Director of the Chief Executive’s Office Carol Yip Man-kuen.