Hong Kong aims to strengthen ties with ASEAN countries: HKSAR executive chief

HONG KONG, July 28 (Xinhua) — John Lee, head of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), said on Sunday he hopes to strengthen government-level communication with Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam.

Lee delivered the remarks in Hong Kong before embarking on a six-day visit to the three member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). He and his delegation included representatives from various sectors, including industry and trade, financial services, transportation, logistics, innovation and technology, and tourism.

Lee said the combined population of the three countries is about 120 million, which is a huge market. During the visit, the delegation will meet with local leaders of the three countries, introduce Hong Kong’s economic development and opportunities, and continue to seek their support for Hong Kong to join the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).

The delegation will also showcase Hong Kong’s role as a “super connector” and “super value-added creator” and promote people-to-people exchanges.

Lee will return to Hong Kong on the evening of August 2.