Chief Executive John Lee said on Tuesday that the SAR can serve as a platform for both mainland and overseas companies to expand by connecting markets, capital and standards.

Speaking at a finance summit, Lee noted that firms are working to boost competitiveness to achieve sustainable development amid restructuring global economic and trade development.

This he said, was brought by accelerating global changes not seen in a century, complex geopolitics as well as rising protectionism.

But the SAR has the unique advantages of enjoying the motherland’s support and being closely connected to the world under One Country, Two Systems, Lee said, adding that the city is a key link for the nation's Belt and Road initiative.

He noted that many mainland firms from the delegation that accompanied him on his Central Asia trip last month are set to list in Hong Kong.

“The GoGlobal Task Force is actively promoting follow-up support for mainland firms in the delegation, including proactive follow-up visits to connect them with resources in Hong Kong in areas such as professional services, financial markets and talents,” Lee said.

“I know that many mainland companies in the delegation are actively working on getting listed in Hong Kong, and fully utilising Hong Kong’s financial advantages to gather the capital needed for global expansion.”

He went on to say that the delegation – the largest-ever in the current term government – had signed 96 cooperation agreements and memoranda of understanding exceeding US$1.65 billion, covering various areas such as finance, innovation and technology, aviation and green development.

Lee added that the task force has already assisted over 200 mainland companies to set up shop in Hong Kong or expand their business since it was set up last year.


Edited by Aaron Tam