CE calls for closer cooperation with nation's capital

Chief Executive John Lee on Wednesday called for closer financial and innovative ties with the city of Beijing, as he continued his visit to the capital. Speaking at a symposium on Beijing-Hong Kong cooperation, Lee said finance had been a key area for collaboration between the two cities over the years. He called for promoting two-way financial opening-up to facilitate economic transformation. “Hong Kong, as an international financial centre, connects mainland markets and global capital,” he said. “It acts as the most convenient international financing platform for enterprises in Beijing. “Through cross-border fund management, wealth management and a network connecting global investors, it serves enterprises’ needs for business expansion.” Lee said the two cities would continue to serve two-way financing for enterprises, and jointly expand green and sustainable finance, as well as offshore renminbi business. He also expressed hope of deepening innovative cooperation between the SAR and Beijing, as the nation developed new quality productive forces and promoted technological revolution and industrial transformation. The innovation sectors in the two cities would promote collaboration in life and health technology, artificial intelligence and robotics, he said. Lee added that Hong Kong would continue to assist mainland enterprises in going global. Edited by Tony Sabine