John Lee says Hong Kong ready for APEC spotlight
Thestandard · 1 SOURCESabout 3 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said Hong Kong is ready as the Greater Bay Area moves into the international spotlight ahead of a run of APEC events in the region. Speaking by video at a Greater Bay Area-themed forum on Thursday, he said Hong Kong would help connect the region with global markets while Shenzhen prepares to host the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting in November.
Key Points
- John Lee said on Thursday that the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting in November will be the first one hosted in Shenzhen.
- Lee said Hong Kong will host the APEC Finance Ministers' Meeting next month, with other ministerial and related meetings spread across Greater Bay Area cities.
- He said Hong Kong will continue serving as the region's “super-connector” and “super value-adder” to international markets under “One Country, Two Systems.”
- Lee cited Hong Kong's common law system, free flow of capital, information and talent, simple tax regime, and financial hub status as advantages.
- Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po said the Greater Bay Area can act as a bridge for exchange, collaboration and partnerships during APEC meetings.
Why It Matters
The coming APEC schedule gives Hong Kong a chance to present its institutional strengths and international financial role while global attention turns to the Greater Bay Area. Lee and Chan are framing that moment as an opportunity to deepen cross-border cooperation and reinforce Hong Kong's place in regional economic networks.