Tourism Board chairman Pang Yiu-kai on Wednesday said Hong Kong can leverage its geographical advantages and world-class services to push forward the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

Speaking at the Belt and Road Forum in Beijing, Pang said Hong Kong acts as a "super-connector" to the world with its position as an international aviation hub.

"From Hong Kong International Airport, you can reach nearly half of the world’s population within five hours, and most of Belt and Road countries fall within this five-hour circle, making it easier for us to connect and communicate," he said.

"Hong Kong is also a global centre for finance, business services, scientific research, education, international arbitration, tourism, air and sea transportation and logistics. In all these fields, we can provide world-class services and assistance to all Belt and Road countries to enhance their future development capabilities."

Pang added that the SAR can share its professional knowledge and extensive experience in product and service promotion with enterprises taking part in Belt and Road projects.

Another strength, he said, lies in the city's strategic position as a gateway between the West and the mainland.

"On the one hand, we are developing Hong Kong into an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange, using tourism to tell the good story of Hong Kong, the country and the Belt and Road. On the other hand, we are actively promoting people-to-people exchanges in countries and regions along the Belt and Road."