The executive deputy director of the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office, Zhou Ji, on Friday said Hong Kong has always been and still is a paradise for global investment and businesses.

Speaking at a conference on Beijing-Hong Kong cooperation in the capital, Zhou said the city's trade and tourism has been improving, and this has led to an influx of leading enterprises.

He also said a series of favourable policies by the central government, including raising the duty-free shopping allowance and introducing overnight high-speed trains, has boosted the SAR's economy.

"This fully demonstrates the institutional advantages of 'One Country, Two Systems', the central government's firm support for Hong Kong's development, and its care and concern for Hong Kong compatriots," he said.

"It fully demonstrates Hong Kong's unlimited development potential. I can say that the central government's care and support for Hong Kong and Macau will never end."

Speaking at the same conference, Chief Executive John Lee said more cooperation between Beijing and Hong Kong will help more companies from the capital develop their businesses in the SAR and the global market.