Acting Chief Executive Chan Kwok-ki met Hunan Governor Mao Weiming today to exchange views on deepening Hong Kong’s co-operation with the province.
Acting Secretary for Constitutional & Mainland Affairs Clement Woo and Acting Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Bernard Chan also attended the meeting.
Mr Chan welcomed Mr Mao and his delegation to Hong Kong to organise an exchange conference promoting economic and trade co-operation between Hunan and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.
Hong Kong and Hunan have been maintaining close economic and trade relations, and Hong Kong has been a significant source of external investment and an important trading partner for Hunan, Mr Chan noted.
The Acting Chief Executive also pointed out that under the “one country, two systems” principle, Hong Kong has the distinctive advantages of enjoying the motherland’s strong support and being closely connected to the world. Hong Kong will fully leverage its strengths as a “super connector” and “super value-adder” to assist Hunan in expanding into international markets.
He believes that the two places can complement each other’s strengths and achieve mutual success through collaboration.
Mr Chan highlighted that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government is determined to develop the low-altitude economy and has set up a working group to formulate the development strategy.
Noting that Hunan is the first province in the country to pilot the opening of an entire low-altitude area, and possesses policy and industrial strengths, he said the two places can strengthen exchanges and co-operation in the field of low-altitude economy.
The Acting Chief Executive also mentioned that after the commissioning of Express Rail Link service between Hong Kong and Changsha, the shortest travelling time between the two places was reduced to within three hours. With profound historical and cultural value, Hunan Province has become a popular travel destination for Hong Kong citizens.
He hoped citizens of Hunan would visit Hong Kong more often to experience its charm as an events capital, further promoting cultural exchanges between the two places.
