Hong Kong should set its sights on markets with "the best returns in the shortest time" as the government connects with more countries and regions around the world, the city's leader has said.

Chief Executive John Lee said while many private businesses have started seeking new markets to diversify risks amid the Sino-US tariffs war, there's a need for his administration to do the same.

"There are just so many different parts of this world that we can do good business and build relations with. I'll expand my network. I'll not just focus on one or two countries or markets," he said.

To generate the best returns for Hong Kong, it should look for potential markets that are mutually attractive, the CE said.

He added they must also place emphasis on the country and the SAR.

Lee has made several overseas visits, including to Asean countries and the Middle East, to help promote the city.

On possible future trips, he said there's room to develop trade with South American countries, and the Central Asia region also has potential.

Belt and Road countries are also under the administration's radar, according to the city's leader.

He acknowledged the presence of both "supporting forces" and "counter-currents" in the SAR's charm offensive.

"[When] the counter-current is against me, if I still want to swim in that direction, I swim double fast, I make double the effort. I'm asking everybody in the government to double the effort, tell Hong Kong's true story," Lee said.

The CE added that Hong Kong must work hard to continue attracting investment and professionals from outside the territory.

"Investment is something that drives changes, investment is also something that drives talents to come and talents to remain, because investment leads to actual business," he said.