Hong Kong leader visits Beijing and Shanghai to deepen ties
Hong Kong Chief Executive Lee has departed for Beijing and Shanghai from 2 to 6 November to attend the Beijing-Hong Kong summit and the China International Import Expo, promoting the city as a gateway for mainland and foreign businesses under the 'one country, two systems' principle.
Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee departed on 2 November for a multi-day visit to Beijing and Shanghai to strengthen economic co-operation with mainland China, according to a government press release. He is scheduled to return to Hong Kong on 6 November. During his absence, Chief Secretary Eric Chan will serve as acting chief executive.
In Beijing, Lee will meet municipal officials and address the opening ceremony of the Beijing-Hong Kong Co-operation Summit on 4 November. This year's summit is themed 'Setting Sail for the 15th Five-Year Plan – Beijing and Hong Kong for a Shared Future', aiming to deepen practical co-operation and complement each other's strengths as the nation prepares its next five-year blueprint.
Lee will travel to Shanghai on the same day. On 5 November, he is set to attend the opening of the ninth China International Import Expo (CIIE) and the Hongqiao International Economic Forum, tour the Hong Kong exhibition zone and corporate booths, and deliver a speech at a Hong Kong sub-forum. He will also meet Shanghai officials to enhance co-operation between the two cities.
The government statement said Lee will use the visits to promote Hong Kong's unique advantages under the 'one country, two systems' principle, highlighting its role as a 'super-connector' and 'super-value-adder'. The chief executive aims to further consolidate Hong Kong's position as a two-way platform for mainland enterprises expanding overseas and foreign firms entering the mainland market, jointly exploring new opportunities.