The government on Friday announced the establishment of a Chief Executive's Council of Advisers, with 34 members, and current CE John Lee as chairman.

The administration says the council will advise the chief executive on Hong Kong's strategic development so the city can take advantages of opportunities from national and global developments.

"The formation of the council is particularly timely and crucial, as Hong Kong is now on the path to resume normalcy after the pandemic, seeking to rekindle momentum to return to the international stage as the most effective gateway between the world and the country," a statement said.

The members are divided into three groups.

An "economic advancement and sustainability" group is joined by people including CK Hutchison Holdings chairman Victor Li , West Kowloon Cultural District Authority chairman Henry Tang and former MTR chairman Frederick Ma.

Members of an "innovation and entrepreneurship" group include HKUST president Nancy Ip, Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks chairman Sunny Chai, former Bar Association chairwoman Winnie Tam and Lan Kwai Fong Group chairman Allan Zeman.

A "regional and global collaborations" group, meanwhile, boasts figures such as Hong Kong Trade Development Council chairman Peter Lam, Standard Chartered's CEO for Asia Benjamin Hung and former Executive Council convenor Bernard Chan.

"Members of the council are all distinguished and eminent leaders in their respective fields, and some of them are internationally renowned scholars or experts. They will certainly be in the best position to provide me with valuable insights and wise counsel to the benefit of the long-term strategic development of Hong Kong," Lee said.