Chief Executive John Lee said Hong Kong has significant potential to promote trade and people-to-people exchanges with Asean and the Middle East.

Since taking office three years ago, Lee has visited 12 countries, with a majority of them in those two regions.

In an exclusive interview with the Information Services Department, the CE said countries in the Middle East, which are rapidly developing and well-funded, are trying to diversify investment risks and looking for reliable partners.

"Hong Kong is the best place because Asia, in particular China and Hong Kong, China, are seeing decent growth rates. They can see that the economic growth engine is here. And that's why they are very interested in coming to Hong Kong," he said.

Lee also said the government is actively encouraging the public to tell good Hong Kong stories.

He added the administration is planning to invite visitors, including influential figures, to experience Hong Kong first-hand. He hopes they will take these good stories back to their own countries and promote Hong Kong to their local communities.