Premier Li Qiang inspected the Hong Kong exhibition area at the China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai on Wednesday, where Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region John Lee Ka-chiu discussed with him the city’s progress and its recent successes in key global rankings in various sectors.

The expo, which runs from Wednesday to Monday, attracted the participation of a record-breaking 380-plus Hong Kong companies. Lee, leading a high-level delegation, arrived on Tuesday to attend the expo.

After taking part in the opening ceremony of the eighth CIIE and the Hongqiao International Economic Forum with numerous senior officials, Lee accompanied Li on a tour of the Hong Kong exhibition area in the China Pavilion.

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In a social media post following this, Lee said that after introducing the Hong Kong exhibition area to Li, he highlighted the city's recent international rankings and its strengths in various fields such as the economy, competitiveness, financial prowess, higher education, and legal services.

Hong Kong maintains its status as the world's freest economy, ranks third globally in the Global Financial Centres Index as well as in the global competitiveness, and is the second most-preferred seat of arbitration worldwide. Also, five Hong Kong universities are positioned among the world's top 100.

He said that these achievements demonstrate the city’s progress in its governance and economic development as well as a continuous improvement in residents’ livelihoods under the “one country, two systems” framework, with strong national support.

Lee also said that his administration will further unite sectors to utilize Hong Kong's strengths in serving the nation.

During a media interview, Lee noted that among the 380-plus companies participating in the expo, some were first-time exhibitors, reflecting how highly regarded the expo is by Hong Kong businesses. He said that the expo serves as a successful platform not only for companies to introduce their products to the Chinese mainland market, but also as a vital avenue for expanding business networks with foreign traders.

Lee later toured the Hong Kong Food Pavilion and the Hong Kong Service Industry Pavilion, noting that over 20 out of the 50 enterprises at these two pavilions were first-time exhibitors.

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The companies said that participating in the expo boosted their visibility, Lee added.

On Wednesday evening, Lee participated in a dinner dialogue with Hong Kong residents living in Shanghai and representatives from Hong Kong companies, encouraging them to serve as bridges between Hong Kong and mainland and to share Hong Kong's positive narratives.

On Thursday, Lee will preside over the Hong Kong — The Ideal Platform for Mainland Enterprises in Going Global Promotion Conference. This event marks the first major publicity initiative on the mainland organized by the government's newly established task force supporting mainland enterprises in their global expansion. Lee will also meet with local officials to strengthen cooperation between the two regions during his visit to Shanghai.

Contact the writer at amberwu@chinadailyhk.com