In a significant move to bolster regional sports collaboration, Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu signed a comprehensive four-party agreement with top officials from the central government, Guangdong province, and Macao during the 15th National Games in Shenzhen on Nov 21.

The “Four-Party Agreement”, inked with the Director of the General Administration of Sport of China Gao Zhidan, the Governor of Guangdong Province Meng Fanli, and the Chief Executive of the Macao Special Administrative Region Sam Hou-fai, is designed to build on the cooperative spirit fostered by the co-hosted National Games.

The agreement listed 10 key provisions, including strengthening sports exchanges and co-operation between youth, athletes, international organizations, and sport industries of the mainland and the two SARs; achieving the synergized use of resources; promoting Chinese sports spirit and cultivating Chinese sports culture; and safeguarding the overall interest of the Chinese nation and strengthening communication on issues of mutual concern in international sports affairs.

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Lee said that the agreement signifies a new stage of co-operation among the three places and will enable the HKSAR government to capitalize on the distinctive advantages of the “one country, two systems” principle.

He emphasized that the strategic framework will be used to promote the integrated development of sports in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area by deepening co-operation in consolidating sports resources, jointly hosting sports events, integrating sports industries, and nurturing talents.

The initiative, Lee noted, will “thereby contribute to the building of China as a leading sporting nation”.

Contact the writer at stacyshi@chinadailyhk.com