This undated photo shows a view of the Victoria Harbour in Hong Kong. (PHOTO / IC)

Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu will lead a high-level delegation to the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Bangkok, Thailand, on Thursday in a bid to canvass support for Hong Kong’s joining the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership and to tell the world the good stories of Hong Kong.

At Tuesday’s regular news briefing before the Executive Council meeting, Lee said he will use the event to contact leaders of the 21 APEC economies and the participating business leaders to showcase Hong Kong’s vigor and vitality.

Benefiting from the national 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-25) and the Outline Development Plan for the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, Chief Executive John Lee said that Hong Kong needs to consolidate its strengths and develop new opportunities after the pandemic

He also hopes to fully introduce Hong Kong, which he said has the Chinese edge and the role as world’s outstanding city. Lee said the participants have much to gain if they establish a foothold in Hong Kong.

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With the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and Belt and Road Initiative, Hong Kong, under “one country, two systems”, is much more appealing, Lee said.

Benefiting from the national 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-25) and the Outline Development Plan for the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, Lee added that Hong Kong needs to consolidate its strengths and develop new opportunities after the pandemic.

The Hong Kong delegation will include over 20 representatives from sectors such as finance, banking, and commercial trade professionals to make full use of this opportunity to introduce Hong Kong’s strengths.

Lee and the delegation will meet with Thai business leaders and visit major corporations in Bangkok to enhance bilateral trade and business co-operation, and better understand the economic and trade developments of Thailand. 

They will introduce Hong Kong's latest actual developments as well as its unique advantages of enjoying strong support of the motherland and being closely connected to the world.

Lee said he also hopes to win an early entry into RCEP, which accounts for one-third of the world’s GDP.

Lee and the Hong Kong delegation will meet with Thai business leaders and visit major corporations in Bangkok to enhance bilateral trade and business co-operation, and better understand the economic and trade developments of Thailand

Lee will attend the Gala Dinner hosted by the organizer for participating leaders on Thursday, the APEC Leaders' Informal Dialogue with Guests on Friday, and the APEC Leaders' Dialogue with the APEC Business Advisory Council. He will also have bilateral meetings with leaders of the other economies to exchange views on issues of mutual interest.

After attending the APEC meetings, Lee will lead a Hong Kong business delegation in continuing his visit in Bangkok, with a view to strengthening the city's connections as well as economic and trade exchanges with Thailand.

Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Algernon Yau will depart for Bangkok on Wednesday to attend the APEC Ministerial Meeting held on the next day, and accompany Lee in attending and participating in related activities.

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Separately, Lee said that he will actively participate in and pay close attention to the bid for the 2035 World Expo, and that the government will keep an open attitude to any bid that can fully showcase Hong Kong’s advantages and pay attention to international events.