John Lee seeks ASEAN backing for Hong Kong RCEP bid
SingTao · 2 SOURCESabout 3 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
Chief Executive John Lee met ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn at Government House on August 7, with both sides exchanging views on strengthening cooperation between Hong Kong and ASEAN member states . Lee said Hong Kong would leverage its role as a “super connector” and “super value-adder” to deepen collaboration and seek broader support for joining RCEP at an early date .
Key Points
- Lee welcomed Kao Kim Hourn’s visit to Hong Kong and said ASEAN has been Hong Kong’s second-largest trading partner since 2010 .
- The Hong Kong government is drawing up its first five-year plan at full speed, while reinforcing the city’s roles in finance, shipping, trade and innovation .
- Lee said Hong Kong would deepen exchanges with ASEAN in trade, investment, finance, logistics and innovation and technology for mutual benefit .
- He said Hong Kong, under “one country, two systems,” can connect the mainland and the world, offering ASEAN firms business services and market access .
- Lee said a Kuala Lumpur economic and trade office will open in 2025, becoming Hong Kong’s fourth such office in an ASEAN member state .
Why It Matters
The meeting signals Hong Kong’s push to anchor itself more deeply in regional supply chains and trade architecture through closer ASEAN ties and eventual RCEP membership . It also shows the government linking its external economic strategy with support for mainland firms expanding into ASEAN markets through Hong Kong .