Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu speaks to the media ahead of an Executive Council meeting on March 21, 2023. (PHOTO / HKSAR GOVERNMENT)

HONG KONG – The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region will more actively integrate into national development and play its role by giving full play to its strength, Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said on Tuesday.

Speaking ahead of the weekly Executive Council meeting, Lee said he will meet the head of the Guangdong municipal government in the afternoon to discuss ways to inject impetus into the development in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and engage in mutually beneficial development.

It was the first joint meeting in two years, he added.

“Rather than sharpening the edge of a single city to become a solo player, it would be more beneficial to sharpen our own unique strength and pool together our edges, so that we can be a city cluster with strong capabilities to achieve high-quality development,” said the CE.

This undated photo shows a view of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge. (PHOTO / VCG)

By grouping the 11 cities together, the region will create synergy and become a very competitive and quality bay area, he added.

He said he will convene the second meeting of a steering committee on Wednesday on integration into the national development.

Rather than sharpening the edge of a single city to become a solo player, it would be more beneficial to sharpen our own unique strength and pool together our edges, so that we can be a city cluster with strong capabilities to achieve high-quality development.

John Lee, Chief Executive, HKSAR

The committee was chaired by the chief executive and three secretaries to coordinate the efforts between bureaus and departments to enhance discussion and promote cooperation with the mainland counterparts, Lee said.

ALSO READ: Environment chief seeks greater cooperation with Shenzhen

In the past few days, four secretaries had visited GBA cities, said Lee, adding that secretaries of departments and directors of bureaus will also pay visits to the mainland, particularly Guangdong province and Bay Area cities, in a bid to build mutual trust with mainland counterparts and formulate plans to benefit all.

“We will be very proactive in collaborating in economic development between the mainland and the HKSAR,” he said.

The government will continue to work on multiple aspects with mainland cities and the central authorities and bring more opportunities to Hong Kong, he added.

ALSO READ: Chief justice to visit Guangdong cities for exchanges

Fare hike

Asked about the proposed increase in public transportation fares, the CE said the government will consider public affordability and public perception while reviewing the application of the fare rise.

Members of the ExCo understood residents’ concerns and sought the best for the general public, he said, adding that the government will act as a gatekeeper in approving the fare adjustment.

Banking crisis

Speaking on the ongoing global banking crisis, Lee said Hong Kong’s banking system was resilient and operated smoothly, with abundant liquidity to be able to handle pressures.

Both the Securities and Futures Commission and the Hong Kong Monetary Authority are monitoring the situation and the government is also in regular contact with authorities around the world, he added.

READ MORE: HK regulators welcome UBS' acquisition of Credit Suisse

“We have confidence that the situation is not affecting Hong Kong in a significant way,” Lee said.