The logo of the Third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation is seen in the Chinese capital, Beijing, on Oct 9, 2023. (ZHU XINGXIN / CHINA DAILY)

HONG KONG – Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu will lead a high-level 70-strong Hong Kong Special Administrative Region delegation on Monday to participate in the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in Beijing.

Six secretaries of departments and directors of bureaus are among the official members of the SAR delegation that will take part in the Oct 17-18 forum, according to the government. 

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Pointing out that this year marks the 10th anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative, the CE said the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation is an international event at the highest level in promoting the BRI and “a key event of our country this year”. 

The third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation is a key event of our country this year, and an international event at the highest level in promoting the BRI.

John Lee Ka-chiu, Chief Executive, HKSAR

“With the support of our country, I am honored to lead the high-level delegation to proactively take part in the Forum to showcase Hong Kong's commitment to contribute to the joint development of the BRI as advocated by the country,” he said.

The delegation will proactively share with the international community on Hong Kong's strengths on various fronts, including the city’s role as the prime functional platform in promoting the high-quality development of the BRI, and its professional services and unique advantage of enjoying strong support from the country and being closely connected to the world, said the Hong Kong leader.

The secretaries in the delegation are Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po; Secretary for Justice Paul Lam; Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Erick Tsang Kwok-wai; Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury Christopher Hui; Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Algernon Yau; and Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry Professor Sun Dong. 

Eleven senior government officials will take part in the forum. They include Commissioner of the Independent Commission Against Corruption, Woo Ying-ming; Director of the Chief Executive's Office Carol Yip; Head of the Chief Executive's Policy Unit Dr Stephen Wong; and Commissioner for Belt and Road Nicholas Ho.

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In addition to senior government officials, the HKSAR delegation comprises 59 members from political and business sectors, public bodies and large enterprises, as well as professional services, innovation and technology, and cultural sectors.

The CE will return to Hong Kong on Oct 19. During his absence, the Chief Secretary for Administration Chan Kwok-ki will be the acting Chief Executive.

*Oasis Hu contributed to the report