CE SPEAKS AT APEC MEETINGS

Chief Executive John Lee attended the 31st Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Meeting in Lima, Peru, where he exchanged views with leaders of other economies.
 
This year, APEC adopted the theme “Empower. Include. Grow”. As such, Mr Lee and other participants discussed issues including trade and investment for inclusive and interconnected growth, innovation and digitalisation to promote transition to the formal and global economy, and sustainable growth for resilient development.
 
At the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting Retreat, Mr Lee pointed out that innovation and digitalisation are key drivers in propelling prosperity and inclusive growth.
 
Noting that Hong Kong is proactively applying innovation and technology to develop new quality productive forces, he stated that Hong Kong has directed efforts and resources to boost new industrialisation, advance the development of artificial intelligence, encourage cross-disciplinary research and development, and promote the integration of the real economy and the digital economy.
 
On sustainability, the Chief Executive shared with the attendees that Hong Kong launched the Strategy of Hydrogen Development in the city in June, not only to seize opportunities brought about by the development of hydrogen energy, but also to facilitate matching between capital and quality green projects, in order to promote the green transformation of economies.
 
Hong Kong has put forward a series of measures to deepen reforms, with a view to exploring new growth areas and addressing public needs, he added, and expressed his hope of working with APEC member economies to contribute to the promotion of regional economic integration and development.
 
Afterwards, Mr Lee met members of Hong Kong, China’s delegates to APEC Voices of the Future, an official youth exchange programme, to learn about their experiences in joining the event.

Highlighting that this year’s Policy Address strengthens the support for youth development, Mr Lee encouraged the young people to leverage the opportunities brought by relevant measures to make plans for the future of Hong Kong.
 
In the evening, Mr Lee had dinner with local business leaders in Peru. While speaking at the dinner, he noted that the free trade agreement signed between Hong Kong and Peru signifies a stronger partnership and facilitates commercial exchanges between the two economies, bringing more business opportunities to Hong Kong and Peruvian enterprises.
 
The Chief Executive plans to return to Hong Kong on November 19.

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