Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu delievers a keynote speech by video during the opening ceremony of the International Communication Forum: Leading in a Time of Transition, jointly organised by the Friday Culture Limited and Hong Kong Coalition at the Runnovation in Wan Chai, Hong Kong, on Nov 2 ,2023. (EDMOND TANG / CHINA DAILY)

Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said that Hong Kong is committed to enhancing its adaptive capacity to address challenges as an open economy that advocates free trade and multilateralism, emphasizing the city’s unique role with its national and international advantages under the principle of "one country, two systems”. 

Speaking on Thursday afternoon at the International Communication Forum: Leading in a Time of Transition, organized by Friday Culture Ltd and the Hong Kong Coalition, Lee highlighted that Hong Kong has signed free trade agreements with approximately 20 economies and is actively pursuing membership of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), a major regional trade pact.

In commemorating the 10th anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative, Lee noted that Hong Kong has signed cultural cooperation memoranda with over 10 countries participating in the Belt and Road Initiative 

He emphasized the city's dedication to fostering free trade and multilateralism, positioning Hong Kong as an open economy that actively seeks to expand its global reach.

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Lee added that Hong Kong has signed investment agreements with 32 economies and is engaged in discussions with various countries, including Saudi Arabia, to facilitate easier market access for Hong Kong businesses. These agreements are expected to provide enhanced legal protections and create more opportunities for Hong Kong enterprises seeking to enter new markets, he said.

In commemorating the 10th anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative, Lee noted that Hong Kong has signed cultural cooperation memoranda with over 10 countries participating in the Belt and Road Initiative. 

This signifies the city's commitment to fostering cultural exchanges and collaborations, further enhancing its role as a key participant in this ambitious global development project, he said.

(L-R) Maria Tam Wai-chu, deputy secretary-general of Hong Kong Coalition; CHEUK Wing Hing, HKSAR deputy chief secretary for administration; Li Yongsheng, acting commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China in the HKSAR; and Prof Herman Hu, chairman, Friday Culture Ltd, at the opening ceremony of the International Communication Forum: Leading in a Time of Transition in Wan Chai, Nov 2 ,2023. (EDMOND TANG / CHINA DAILY)

Lee also spoke of the positive developments in Hong Kong's relations with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) while he was at a different forum, Hong Kong FinTech Week, on Thursday morning. He revealed that 15 new offices with parent companies in ASEAN countries had opened in Hong Kong last year, while around 650 companies from ASEAN nations have set up regional offices and headquarters in the city. 

Lee highlighted the strong support expressed by ASEAN leaders for Hong Kong's integration into RCEP, reinforcing the city's importance as a regional economic hub.

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During the International Communication Forum in the afternoon, Chairman of Friday Culture Herman Hu expressed his belief that such gatherings contribute to a fairer and safer world. 

Hu commended the spirit of peaceful cooperation exhibited in the implementation of the Belt and Road Initiative, noting that the recent BRI conference in Beijing saw representation from 151 countries, representing three-quarters of the world's nations.

Chairman of Friday Culture Ltd Prof Herman Hu speaks at the International Communication Forum: Leading in a Time of Transition in Wan Chai, Nov 2, 2023. (EDMOND TANG / CHINA DAILY)

The International Communication Forum covered two panel discussions, with the first exploring "Business in the New World" and the second delving into "Opportunity, Governance, and Ethics in AI Development". The discussions provided a platform for experts and industry leaders to exchange insights into the evolving global landscape and the ethical dimensions of artificial intelligence.