Chief Executive John Lee on Monday highlighted Hong Kong's potential to facilitate links and cooperation with Asean countries, giving them greater access to markets in the Greater Bay Area.

Speaking at the HK-Asean Summit organised by the South China Morning Post, he said Hong Kong has long-established trade and economic ties with Asean countries.

He noted that the SAR has received widespread support for its application to join the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), the world's largest trading bloc.

"Through our prospective RCEP membership and other channels, Hong Kong can create connection and partnerships to help Asean and RCEP members get the services and technical support they need to enter the GBA and mainland consumer market with confidence," he said.

"Both Hong Kong and Asean attach great importance to diversification to help Asean countries realise projects in urban and infrastructure management and logistics, architectural design and engineering, legal and trade arbitration and more."

He said Hong Kong offers a business-friendly atmosphere and professional financial services to support companies of all sizes.

"We are the value-adding gateway connecting our country to the rest of the world, and it very much includes Asean because of our long-standing and outstanding connectivity," he said.

"We offer a business-friendly environment, a robust financial regulatory regime and a simple and low tax system for traders, investors and businesses – large, small and just starting up – all premised on the rule of law. Despite the complexities of geopolitical tensions, high interest rates and the pandemic, Hong Kong's financial system remains resilient."