HONG KONG – The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region maintains a strong and committed partnership with South Africa, and is eager to contribute as a key gateway for the African country’s access to the Chinese mainland's vast market, Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said Thursday.

Lee made the remarks at the reception hosted by the South African Consulate-General in the SAR to celebrate its country’s Freedom Day.

As Hong Kong’s largest trading partner in Africa, South Africa’s total merchandise trade with the territory reached $1.9 billion last year, Lee said, adding that about 6.6 percent of goods traded between the mainland and South Africa were routed through the SAR

As Hong Kong’s largest trading partner in Africa, South Africa’s total merchandise trade with the territory reached $1.9 billion last year, Lee said, adding that about 6.6 percent of goods traded between the mainland and South Africa were routed through the SAR.

“Hong Kong’s success is closely intertwined with the country, particularly as we look to further strengthen our relations with new markets such as those in Africa,” he said.

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Lee also touted Hong Kong’s advantages as a "super-connector" and "super value-adder" in facilitating cooperation between the mainland and the participants of the Belt and Road Initiative, particularly South Africa – the first country to take part in the initiative.

“Our multi-lingual and multi-talented workforce provides world-class professional services, to global investors,” he said, stressing that Hong Kong is eager to contribute to strengthening cooperation between the two countries.

The chief executive also highlighted the cultural partnership with the African country.

The Hong Kong Arts Development Council signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the National Arts Council of South Africa in February to provide more international market access for artists from both places. Lee said the cooperation lays a “solid foundation” for future collaboration.

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“The Hong Kong SAR government looks forward to continuing working closely with the South African Consulate-General in Hong Kong, and promote stronger connections in business and trade, culture and education, and many more areas with South Africa in the years ahead,” he added.

This year’s April 27 marks the 30th Freedom Day of South Africa, as the country observes the anniversary of its first democratic elections that took place in 1994. The reception was attended by government officials, local business leaders, foreign diplomats, as well as representatives from various sectors.

Speaking at the reception, Mojalefa Mogono, consul general of South Africa in HKSAR, said his country’s economy remains robust and dynamic, with advances in education, healthcare, and infrastructure.

The diplomat said the deepening trade relations between South Africa, Hong Kong SAR and the mainland have created a “win-win situation” for all parties involved.

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“It is important for us to nurture and strengthen our trade relations with Hong Kong and the Chinese mainland to explore new avenues of cooperation innovation, and to build a sustainable future for generations to come,” Mogono said.

He said South Africa looks forward to the next stages of the China-South Africa partnership and further strengthening the ties.

“Let’s continue to build bridges of friendship and cooperation with our partners in Hong Kong SAR and the Chinese mainland, forging a shared destiny of prosperity and peace,” he said. “Together we can overcome any challenge, scale any height and create a world where freedom, justice and equality reign supreme.”