This screenshot of a video message taken on Nov 12, 2023 shows Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu delivering a speech for the opening ceremony of the Asia+ Festival.

HONG KONG – Hong Kong has a unique role in fostering people-to-people exchanges under the Belt and Road Initiative, Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said on Sunday.

In a video-recorded message at the inaugural edition of the Asia+ Festival, Lee said Hong Kong is fully dedicated to developing into an East-meets-West center for international cultural exchange, with the support of the National 14th Five-Year Plan.

Lee said the Hong Kong SAR government is expediting the greater development of Hong Kong's cultural scene, and connecting the city with other parts of the world by leveraging its strengths and advantages

“At the Third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation last month, President Xi Jinping remarked that the Belt and Road Initiative has opened up a new path for exchanges among countries, and established a new framework for international cooperation,” Lee said.  

“Belt and Road cooperation, the President has noted, is based on the principle of ‘planning together, building together, and benefitting together’,” he added.

Lee said the Hong Kong SAR government is expediting the greater development of Hong Kong's cultural scene, and connecting the city with other parts of the world by leveraging its strengths and advantages.

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“Under the unique ‘one country, two systems; principle, Hong Kong is the only city in the world which converges the China advantage and the global advantage,” Lee said.

“Hong Kong is not only a city deeply rooted in Chinese culture, it is also a metropolis known for its dynamic fusion of the cultures of Asia and other parts of the world,” he added.

The Asia+ Festival celebrates the cultural diversity of Asia and other Belt and Road regions and includes stage performances, exhibitions, and even an outdoor carnival, with over 20 countries joining hands to present their unique cultures and arts.

“I am confident that the two-month festival will promote cultural appreciation, and strengthen Hong Kong's ties with the world,” Lee said.       

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“We hope to turn the festival into a regular annual event, to showcase our Asian talents, and to build it as a platform for sustainable cultural exchange,” he added.