As a major international finance center and the world's largest offshore Renminbi business hub, Hong Kong can contribute to the economic development of Djibouti and other African countries, Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said Friday.

Lee made the remark during a meeting with visiting Prime Minister of Djibouti Abdoulkader Kamil Mohamed at Government House, where they exchanged views on issues of mutual interest.

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Lee welcomed the prime minister's visit to Hong Kong and said that, under the "one country, two systems" principle, Hong Kong has the distinctive advantage of enjoying strong support of the country and being closely connected to the world.

He said the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region is an ideal place for Belt and Road companies and projects to raise funds.

Hong Kong is the only city in the world that “enjoys both the China advantage and the global advantage”, he added.

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Noting that there is potential to further deepen the economic and trade ties between Hong Kong and Djibouti, Lee said that the HKSAR government is looking forward to strengthening exchanges with the government of Djibouti to explore more business opportunities for companies of both places.

Under Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Bernard Chan Pak-li and Commissioner for Belt and Road Nicholas Ho Lik-chi also attended the meeting.