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.