Chief Executive John Lee said on Tuesday that the SAR would strengthen cooperation with its mainland counterparts to promote the city's development of innovation and technology, as well as tourism.

The CE met with officials from the Ministry of Science and Technology and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism on the third day of his duty visit to the capital.

He told the ministry officials that Hong Kong is pushing ahead with the Northern Metropolis plan to drive the future development of the SAR and the Greater Bay Area.

He added that the SAR is working closely with Shenzhen to develop the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Cooperation Zone.

On tourism, Lee said the number of visitors had recovered to 70 percent of pre-pandemic levels since the resumption of quarantine-free travel with the mainland in February.

He noted that the government's priorities include attracting more overnight visitors and promoting the development of quality tourism.

He will conclude his visit and return to the SAR on Wednesday.