Chief Executive John Lee said on Tuesday Hong Kong and Asean member states need to work together as "like-minded economies" in upholding free trade and multilateralism in trying times for the world.

He made the comment while delivering a speech at an HK-Asean Summit hosted by the South China Morning Post.

He said deeper cooperation between the two sides would pave the way for stronger economic partnerships and regional connectivity, creating opportunities for shared growth and prosperity.

"Together, we are not afraid of storms. United, we will sail our ships, through thick and thin, whether it is Typhoon Nine, Typhoon Eight, or Typhoon Eight-Goodbye," Lee said, leading to laughter from the crowd.

He noted that in recent years, trade in both merchandise and services between the two sides has been soaring.

Asean countries, he said, were the SAR's second-largest merchandise trading partner for the past 15 years, coming in at more than US$165 billion last year, nearly 15 percent more than in 2023.

Lee went on to say that officials have achieved excellent progress in establishing an Economic and Trade Office in Kuala Lumpur, the SAR's fourth in Asean countries after ones in Singapore, Jakarta and Bangkok.