Hong Kong reinforces its strategic position as a superconnector with new association dedicated to promoting world peace

Amid the current complex and rapidly evolving global landscape, the Hong Kong Association for External Friendship (HKAEF) was formed with the vision of connecting with governments and institutions, and transcending the characteristics of different cultures to promote world peace.

On July 5, the inauguration ceremony of the HKAEF was attended by government officials of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, legislative councilors, and 300 community leaders.

Sun Xueqing, secretary general of the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), delivered a speech on behalf of CPAFFC President Yang Wanming.

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Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu described the HKAEF as the initiation of a new force for global dialogue that will facilitate people-to-people exchanges and cultivate friendships.

“Our country supports Hong Kong in deepening international engagement, putting primacy on cooperation, regionally and globally — in business, trade, finance, education, culture and every other area that governments, companies and peoples can come together for mutually rewarding opportunities,” he said.

“In today’s complex and rapidly evolving global landscape, where cooperation is no longer a given, we must unite and remain open to dialogue, maintaining friendly relations with different places that are eager to pursue development.”

Lee added that the government looks forward to working with the association and empowering it to become a dynamic force for international goodwill and cooperation.

The association, consisting of more than 140 members from more than 20 countries and regions around the world, is formed under the guidance of the CPAFFC, and focuses on cultivating ties with cities, associations, organizations, and individuals.

Cui Jianchun, commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, said he hopes the HKAEF can expand channels, mechanisms, and platforms to strengthen friendship and cooperation between people in Hong Kong and overseas.

“I hope the association will be a window for the international community to understand the Chinese mainland, and … leverage its activities to reinforce its global partnerships and bring more international brands to Hong Kong,” Cui said.

HKAEF Founding President and Chief Executive Officer Priscilla Leung Mei-fun said, “The HKAEF has a clear mission of deepening international friendships, promoting friendly foreign relations through people-to-people diplomacy, and leveraging Hong Kong’s unique advantage as a global superconnector between the mainland and the world.”

Leung added that the “one country, two systems” framework in Hong Kong and Macao is worthy of reference by the world as a solution to resolve historical problems peacefully.

Starry Lee Wai-king, a member of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress and a member of the Hong Kong Legislative Council, said the mainland needs extensive friendships with many countries against the backdrop of complex international relationships.

“With the ‘one country, two systems’ background, Hong Kong — with its history, commercial, academic and cultural networks, as well as friends from countries along the Belt and Road Initiative — is a strategic spot for deepening international exchanges,” Starry Lee said.

The association organized the Global University Presidents & Leaders Summit in December, which brought together university leaders from around the world in Hong Kong.

Laurence Brahm, founding vice-chairman of the HKAEF, said Hong Kong should showcase its unique cultural offerings and bring people together. “The city has a brilliant and diverse culture, and broad representatives of different communities. The city is one of the coolest, most diverse, and creative in Asia.”  

HKAEF Secretary General Rajesh Sharma highlighted the importance of friendship as a two-way street, aiming to create a global network of mutual learning and growth through cultural exchange and collaboration among students, professors, researchers, and others.

Other overseas representatives said they saw the HKAEF as a global community for a shared and sustainable future by promoting economic and cultural harmony and people-to-people connectivity.

“This new entity will be a driving force for community stakeholders of all countries to grow and share prosperity together. HKAEF will assume a crucial role in becoming a multifunctional hub for broadening and deepening international cooperation at bilateral, regional and international levels,” said Supperamaniam Manickham, the former ambassador of Malaysia to the World Trade Organization.

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Kashif Zaidi, acting dean and director of the School of Law and Policy of the University of Management and Technology in Lahore, Pakistan, said: “In the current situation, the world needs peace, prosperity, development, trade, and happiness, which is right now very difficult to find, because around the globe, we see only fighting, terrorism, and bloodshed. But humanity should win now.”

Davide De Rosa, president of the Italian Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong and Macao, said Hong Kong’s supportive environment encourages his dreams and career. He sees the association as a platform for career development and community engagement. “We have a very good chance to make a change and take steps towards a Hong Kong that’s more connected with the rest of the world.”

Other guests included Legislative Council President Andrew Leung Kwan-yuen; Xu Weigang, director of the Economic Affairs Department of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR; Martin Lee Ka-shing, chairman of Henderson Land Group; Adrian Cheng Chi-kong, founder of K11 Group and director of Chow Tai Fook (Holdings) Ltd; and Raymond Leung Hai-ming, chairman and CEO of C& L Holdings Ltd, who represents the company’s president, Ann Chiang Lai-wan.

Contact the writer at oswald@chinadailyhk.com