LegCo delegation exchanges views with representatives of ASEAN member states in Indonesia (with photos)
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The Legislative Council (LegCo) delegation, led by the President of LegCo, Mr Andrew Leung, continued its duty visit in Indonesia yesterday (May 15). The delegation hosted a networking reception with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Community in Indonesia in the afternoon. The Permanent Representatives from ASEAN member states, Ambassadors of Observer State and Dialogue Partners attended the reception.
As a host of the reception, Mr Leung stated that under the "One Country, Two Systems" principle, Hong Kong holds unique strength to play the role of a "super-connector" and a "super value-adder". This would facilitate ASEAN countries to access to the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area market and work together to promote the Belt and Road Initiative collectively. Mr Leung also highlighted that Hong Kong, as an international financial centre, an asset and wealth management hub, and the world's largest offshore Renminbi service centre, can facilitate ASEAN countries to access to the mainland market and explore business opportunities. Additionally, he emphasised that the implementation of the national security legislation in Hong Kong provides a stable and secure environment for business investment.
Members of the delegation also introduced to the representatives the latest development on commerce, finance, Innovation and Technology and tourism in Hong Kong. The delegation expressed gratitude for the support of ASEAN members states in Hong Kong's early accession to the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). Members have every confidence that after joining RCEP, Hong Kong could strengthen the collaboration with ASEAN counties in the areas of finance, infrastructure, Innovation and Technology, tourism and education etc so as to enhance regional economic development and prosperity.
The delegation then paid a courtesy call on the Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN, Mr Satvinder Singh, to exchange views on topics related to Hong Kong's accession to RCEP. The delegation explained that Hong Kong has a well-established infrastructure and strong foundation in digital technology, as well as financing and bond markets. This would help ASEAN to explore new market opportunities.
The delegation then had dinner and exchanged views with the Chinese Ambassador to ASEAN, Ms Hou Yanqi. The delegation expressed heartfelt gratitude for Ms Hou's support and assistance, which enabled the delegation to engage with representatives to tell good stories of Hong Kong, and discuss regional economic and trade co-operation, deepening Hong Kong's relationship with ASEAN, and advocating for Hong Kong's early accession to RCEP.
The delegation also engaged in discussions with Chinese Ambassador to Indonesia, Mr Lu Kang this morning to discuss how to strengthen the economic, trade, and cultural connections between Hong Kong and ASEAN countries, including Indonesia. The delegation extended gratitude to the Central Government and Mr Lu Kang for their continuous support for Hong Kong's accession to RCEP which could contribute to the economic development of the entire Asia-Pacific region.
In addition, the delegation took a ride on the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway (JBHSR) in the morning to learn about the operation and future development of JBHSR. Commissioned in October last year, JBHSR connects Jakarta and Bandung, the capital of West Java Province and the third-largest city of Indonesia. JBHSR is Southeast Asia's first high-speed railway and a key project of the Belt and Road Initiative. The delegation noted that JBHSR has greatly benefited the local economy and created job opportunities. They also shared Hong Kong's experience in operating and managing high-speed railways, and discussed the opportunities that Hong Kong and Indonesia could jointly pursue in transport infrastructure projects under the Belt and Road Initiative.
The delegation will continue its duty visit in Indonesia today (May 16) and depart for Singapore in the evening.
Ends/Thursday, May 16, 2024
Issued at HKT 1:15
Issued at HKT 1:15
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