Hong Kong serves as a two-way platform between the mainland and Belt and Road partners, as well as a key link for trade and investment, Chief Executive John Lee said on Wednesday.

Speaking at the Belt and Road forum in Beijing, Lee also said the SAR will continue to be the main gateway for imports and exports.

He said Hong Kong people's strengths lie in their language skills, and their knowledge of the international and mainland business environment and culture.

"Hong Kong's diversified professional services are among the world's best. We are pressing ahead with the high-quality development of Belt and Road projects concerning such areas as engineering, construction, accounting, insurance, investment and financing, and legal and dispute resolution."

Separately, the CE told a thematic forum on sub-national cooperation that the territory can push the Belt and Road Initiative forward, and the SAR can leverage its position as a gateway between the West and the mainland.

"Hong Kong is an international city where East meets West. We have signed cultural cooperation agreements with more than 10 Belt and Road countries, promoting arts and cultural exchanges between different places.

"Our cultural and creative talent go overseas every year to perform and exchange, promote the inheritance of traditional culture, and establish friendships with people from various countries."