Chief Executive John Lee arrived in Hainan today to attend the Global Free Trade Port Development Forum at the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2025.
Addressing the forum, Mr Lee said that Hong Kong, as an international financial, shipping, and trade centre, enjoys a strategic location and world-class connectivity, championing free and multilateral trade.
Under the principle of “one country, two systems”, Hong Kong is the only world city that combines the China advantage with the global advantage. It boasts a long tradition of the rule of law and has an established common law regime that aligns with major global financial hubs.
Mr Lee noted that as a participant in the Global Free Trade Zone (Port) Partnership Initiative, Hong Kong will continue to collaborate with Hainan in promoting the vast opportunities that free trade and market liberalisation could bring to the world.
In the evening, Mr Lee attended a dinner with Hainan Province leaders to exchange views on deepening Hong Kong’s co-operation with Hainan.
Additionally, Secretary for Innovation, Technology & Industry Prof Sun Dong attended the Enhance Digital Capacity Building & Bridging Digital Divide forum this afternoon.
Prof Sun outlined Hong Kong’s move to accelerate digital economy development through strengthening digital infrastructure and fostering digital transformation. The Government is pressing ahead with the Digital Corporate Identity Platform project at full speed.
He added that by adhering to the principle of promoting technology with talent, leading industries with technology, and attracting talent with industries, the Government will provide more quality jobs and development opportunities for innovation and technology (I&T) and digital talent in Hong Kong and for those coming to Hong Kong, thereby pooling I&T talent from around the globe.
Tomorrow, Mr Lee will meet Hainan Province leaders and attend the signing ceremony of memoranda of understanding between the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government and the People’s Government of Hainan Province.
