Hong Kong’s Role in the Belt and Road Initiative: A Golden Decade Ahead

Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee’s Vision for the Belt and Road Summit

At the opening ceremony of the Belt and Road Summit, Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee delivered a welcome speech, highlighting the significance of the Belt and Road Initiative, proposed by President Xi Jinping 11 years ago. As the world’s most open city, Hong Kong plays a vital role in realizing the Belt and Road Initiative, leveraging its unique advantages under the principle of “one country, two systems”.

Lee emphasized Hong Kong’s position as a super connector and super value-added hub, providing world-class infrastructure and professional services trade support. He also reiterated Hong Kong’s commitment to free and multilateral trade, citing the summit’s recognition by the central government and its role in fostering trade and investment cooperation among advanced economies worldwide.

Lee also shared his recent visit to three ASEAN countries, where he led a delegation and signed over 50 memoranda of understanding. He received reaffirmation from relevant countries that they support Hong Kong’s bid to join the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) as soon as possible.

In addition, Lee highlighted the upcoming operational launch of the airport’s third runway by the end of the year, which will further support Hong Kong’s expansion of the Aviation Silk Road. He also noted that over 4,000 students from Belt and Road countries studied in Hong Kong’s higher education institutions through relevant scholarships last year, with the opportunity to stay in Hong Kong for two years after graduation to pursue development opportunities.

Lee expressed his optimism for Hong Kong’s economic development, believing that the city’s economy can grow faster, enterprises can thrive, and social development will become stronger.