Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu (right) meets CPC Zhongshan Municipal Committee Secretary Guo Wenhai in Hong Kong, Aug 9, 2023. (PHOTO / HKSAR GOVT)

HONG KONG – Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu met CPC Zhongshan Municipal Committee Secretary Guo Wenhai here in Hong Kong on Wednesday to exchange views on further deepening the special administrative region’s cooperation with Zhongshan.

As the largest source of external investment in Zhongshan, Hong Kong could contribute to the better integration of the two places in such areas as finance, logistics, trade, technology, management and professional services, in which Hong Kong enjoys an advantage, said the Hong Kong leader.

He also stressed that the two cities could work together to promote high-quality development in manufacturing and other industries, which would foster the exchange and growth of young people.

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The CE thanked the Zhongshan municipal government for its long-standing support for Hong Kong’s Dedicated Team for Attracting Businesses and Talents as it actively appeals to local enterprises and talent to develop in Hong Kong.

Lee said Hong Kong could contribute to the better integration of the two places in areas such as finance, logistics, trade, technology, management and professional services

Lee said he looks forward to the continuously close cooperation between the two places, with a view to enhancing the understanding of Zhongshan's enterprises and talent of the SAR’s investment and employment environment.

Hong Kong will continue to make good use of its advantages as a professional services and financing platform and encourage enterprises to expand their businesses in Zhongshan as well as other Greater Bay Area cities, he said.

Noting that the traveling time between Hong Kong and Zhongshan has been significantly reduced since the commissioning of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, the CE said he believes it brings the two cities closer to each other and will facilitate Hong Kong people’s pursuit of entrepreneurship, working, and living in Zhongshan.

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It will also foster the flow of people and deepen cooperation between the two places, and facilitate their joint promotion of the high-quality development of the bay area, he added.