Chief Executive John Lee on Tuesday said Hong Kong strives to work with Hainan to promote free trade, as the SAR actively expands its global trade network despite heightened trade friction and risks.

The remarks came in a speech at the Global Free Trade Port Development Forum, part of the four-day annual Boao Forum for Asia.

Lee noted that the SAR has recently concluded negotiations on investment deals with Qatar, Bangladesh and Peru, and is eyeing new agreements with Saudi Arabia and Egypt.

He added that the SAR is committed to joining the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) – the world's largest free trade pact – as part of efforts to forge more free trade deals.

"At a time when some are drawing battle lines, Hong Kong is drawing trade routes. We choose connection over confrontation, and we value co-operation over conflict," Lee told event participants.

"Hong Kong actively seeks to co-operate with trading partners, including economies with strong trade relations with Hong Kong, as well as emerging markets with development potential or at strategic locations."

Lee also noted that the SAR has set up 16 offices and liaison units on the mainland, as well as 15 Economic and Trade Offices overseas to help the city connect with global investors seeking opportunities.

These offices and units, along with those under InvestHK and the Trade Development Council, span 68 cities and cover 129 countries, he added.

Meanwhile, a dedicated one-stop cross-sector professional services platform, newly unveiled by the government GoGlobal taskforce, can help more mainland enterprises expand outside the country's borders, Lee said.

Separately, the chief executive said Hong Kong will go all out to make "comprehensive" arrangements to host the upcoming Apec Finance Ministers' Meeting in October.

"With the world in a heightened period of turbulence, Hong Kong is committed to navigating uncertainties with openness, not in isolation," Lee said.

"I am confident that the Free Trade Port of Hainan and Hong Kong will complement each other in building a powerful engine for free trade.

"Hong Kong endeavours to work with Hainan, as well as our friends from the mainland and around the world that value free trade, to build a prosperous global community with a shared future for humanity," Lee said.



Edited by Thomas McAlinden