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Hong Kong’s John Lee vows deeper ties with Asean, underscoring city’s unique role as gateway to mainland Chinese markets

  • Chief executive addresses Hong Kong-Asean Summit 2023, stressing move to proceed with forum despite Typhoon Koinu shows commitment to partners
  • Hailing rising economic power of trade bloc, Lee says city is ‘committed to creating new prospects for regional cooperation and mutual prosperity’

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Chief Executive John Lee touts Hong Kong’s unique edge at an Asean forum. Photo: May Tse
Willa Wu
Hong Kong’s leader on Monday vowed deeper regional cooperation with Asean countries, underscoring the city’s unique role as a value-added gateway to markets in the Greater Bay Area and the rest of China.
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Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu also thanked officials and business leaders flying into the city for a high-level forum despite Typhoon Koinu triggering the No 9 storm alert over the weekend, stressing the move to press on with the event showed Hong Kong’s resilience.

Lee said a stronger bond between Hong Kong and the 10-country trade bloc in Southeast Asia would help both regions navigate the ever-changing global economy and other challenges.

Hong Kong leader John Lee (centre) on stage with forum participants, including Post CEO Catherine So (third from left) and editor-in-chief Tammy Tam (second from right). Lee thanked foreign speakers, such as Thai Deputy Prime Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-nukara (fourth from left) and Malaysian Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Liew Chin Tong (fourth from right), for flying in despite a storm. Photo: May Tse
Hong Kong leader John Lee (centre) on stage with forum participants, including Post CEO Catherine So (third from left) and editor-in-chief Tammy Tam (second from right). Lee thanked foreign speakers, such as Thai Deputy Prime Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-nukara (fourth from left) and Malaysian Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Liew Chin Tong (fourth from right), for flying in despite a storm. Photo: May Tse

Foreign guests at the Hong Kong-Asean Summit 2023, organised by the Post, included: Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-nukara; Malaysian Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Liew Chin Tong; and Hashim Djojohadikusumo, a representative for Indonesian defence chief Prabowo Subianto.

Hailing what he called the rising economic power and expanding connectivity of Asean, Lee said the city was “committed to creating new prospects for regional cooperation and mutual prosperity”.

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He highlighted the unique edges enjoyed by Hong Kong under Beijing’s “one country, two systems” governing principle.

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