Chief Executive John Lee on Saturday said every leader he met during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) summit fully understands that Hong Kong is now back on the world stage, adding he has received positive feedback after telling good stories about the SAR.

Speaking to reporters after the two-day meeting in Bangkok had concluded, Lee said many leaders now better understand Hong Kong’s actual situation, and they know the SAR will only be more open, inclusive and proactive in connecting with the world.

"I think we have achieved good results... in telling good Hong Kong stories," he said.

He added that all four leaders of the Southeast Asian countries he had meetings with - Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore and Vietnam - agreed to strengthen trade ties.

“One of the countries even hopes to double [figures] in terms of commerce and trade [between the two territories],” he said.

Lee added that talks with Peru have already started to reach a free trade agreement. 

The CE said he and foreign leaders also exchanged views on Covid policies, adding they agreed with taking a gradual approach in lifting relevant restrictions depending on the local situation.

Meanwhile, Lee said he had reported Hong Kong’s current situation to President Xi Jinping, who he said encouraged him to keep up his hard work. The CE said State Councillor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi also expressed his support for Hong Kong.

Lee hosted a dinner for Hong Kong and Thai business leaders on Saturday, He said he would visit two corporations in the Thai capital before returning to the SAR on Sunday.