Chief Executive John Lee said on Sunday that Thai business leaders he met in Bangkok are very interested in Hong Kong's ambitions to become a hub for innovation, technology and culture, as well as an arts and cultural exchange.

He made the comment as he wrapped up his visit to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit and promote the SAR to the business community in the Thai capital. It was his first overseas trip since taking over as Hong Kong's leader.

Lee said he visited two Thai firms, the Charoen Pokphand Group and Amata Corporation, at the end of his four-day visit.

“I made use of the opportunity to explain to the leaders of these two successful groups what Hong Kong can offer; Hong Kong’s new strengths and traditional strengths; and what new policies and strategies will create extra competitiveness for Hong Kong,” he said.

“These mean extra opportunities for enterprises around the world and I have also explained to them my policy of attracting more talent and enterprises to come to Hong Kong.”

The chairman of the Amata Foundation, Vikrom Kromadit, said Hong Kong's freedoms. tax system and status as a logistics hub make it a very attractive place to do business.

He said he would consider investing in the city, but he hopes the SAR government can offer concessionary policies to attract foreign businesses.

"The cost - land cost, labour cost... how Hong Kong can make itself more attractive? If the Hong Kong government can subsidise the land like on mainland China. They are not charging any money [for] some of the land. That can encourage people to come and invest in China," he said.

The CE said he had also met the Chinese ambassador to Thailand, Han Zhiqiang, and requested assistance in organising activities in Thailand in the future.