The government has to explore different avenues for companies to invest in Hong Kong’s arts and culture scene, Chief Executive John Lee said on Thursday.

As part of Lee’s second “interactive and consultative” exchange with the Legislative Council, he sought views on developing the cultural and creative industries.

Legislator Kenneth Fok, who represents the sports, performing arts and culture sector, proposed stepping up efforts in art financing to foster unicorns in the industry, such as relaxing listing conditions.

In response, the CE pointed to other ways to attract investment.

“The first thing is to introduce various possibilities of investment, so that the business sector and investment companies can consider, because the arts and cultural sector is very different from other industries, it is so rich and so diverse,” he said.

“If we just consider listing facilitation for them, perhaps it is a bit premature. We should see how we can match the business sector or investors with our arts and creative people, how we can make good use of our investment fund.”

The chief executive also told lawmakers that working with mainland cities on “multi-destination travel” should be on the agenda.

“I like kung fu, [for example] I can go to Foshan and Chaozhou…So multi-stop itineraries can make Hong Kong more attractive,” Lee said.

“I visited different mainland cities, they are asking for the same. They want Hong Kong to group together with cities in the [Greater Bay Area] so there can be multi-destinations in one tour.”

On pop artists holding concerts in the territory, Lee said these performances are important in promoting arts and culture, but “we need to do more in terms of venues”.