Chief Executive John Lee on Wednesday said exciting times lay ahead for the SAR and hailed an increase in international travel since hotel quarantine for new arrivals was dropped, but he cautioned that further reopening would require a careful balance between economic activities and public health.

Speaking at a summit organised by the British Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong, Lee said the SAR's international connectivity was close to his heart and that he was acutely aware of the concerns of the community and the business sector on the pace of opening up, but he stressed that public health remained a key priority.

"Why do we have to be careful in managing risks? Two reasons. First, we have to protect our high-risk population, especially the elderly and the very young. We are talking about human lives here. We cannot afford to do nothing," Lee said.

"We want to reduce the number of critical cases and fatalities as much as we can. Second, we must do our utmost to ensure that our public health system would not be overwhelmed. Our hospitals must continue to provide adequate and efficient healthcare services to the people of Hong Kong."

But Lee told delegates that they could look to some exciting moments in the months ahead, with representatives of more than 100 major financial institutions expected for next month's Global Financial Leaders' Investment Summit, and the return of the Hong Kong Rugby Sevens.

Addressing the theme of the summit, "The Next 25 Years and Beyond", Lee said the coming years would be shaped by "still entirely unknown opportunities – and challenges".

"What I can tell you is that we are building the road to a bountiful future, to the economy and the community we want for Hong Kong – for ourselves, our businesses and our families," Lee said.

"That road is planned as a multi-lane, multi-layered, superhighway. While there may be bends along the way, the road and the prospects it will bring are designed to deliver, to take us where we want to go."

Lee told the summit that his maiden Policy Address next week would include new measures to "attract, and retain, talent from abroad", and said he planned to make his first overseas trip as leader next month, heading to Bangkok for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation leaders' meeting.