Commissioner for Belt and Road Nicholas Ho said on Thursday he hopes more mainland enterprises will come to Hong Kong to participate in this year's summit as it will enable different businesses to seize the opportunity to foster more collaborations.

He said the annual Belt and Road summit, to be held next month, will be going into its 10th year, which will mark a significant milestone, particularly in the current complex and ever-changing international environment.

Speaking on an RTHK programme, Ho pointed out that political and business leaders participating in this year's forum are coming from more than 70 to 80 countries.

The forum will provide updated Belt and Road information, facilitating project connections and offering opportunities for business matchmaking, he said.

Ho said Hong Kong plays a pivotal role in connecting the mainland with the global market, on top of attracting capital and talent.

Sunny Tan, the chairman of the Productivity Council and a Legislative Council member, said the participation of officials and ministerial-level representatives from various countries in the event will help boost exchanges across different levels.

He also said he believes Belt and Road countries would be of interest to mainland companies which urgently need to go abroad to fend off involution in the domestic market.