It is my pleasure to welcome you to the seventh Belt and Road Summit in Hong Kong. Taking place in person and online, the two-day Summit is a highlight event marking this year’s 25th anniversary celebration of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR).

The Belt and Road Initiative has inspired regional and international collaboration among over 180 countries and international organisations in policy, infrastructure, trade, finance, and people-to-people bond since its first announcement in 2013. As an international financial, trading and maritime centre, Hong Kong is well-positioned to serve as a strategic financing centre in advancing our participation in the Belt and Road initiative. Capitalising on Hong Kong’s advantages of being free and open, and the excellent connectivity to the world, we will continue to boost our economic and trade relations with other Belt and Road economies and expanding our free trade and investment agreements.

We should seize the opportunities presented by the support rendered by the Central Authorities and Hong Kong’s unique position and favourable conditions under “One Country, Two Systems”, to align with national strategies such as the 14th Five-Year Plan, the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the high quality development of Belt and Road cooperation. In doing so, we could facilitate Hong Kong and Mainland enterprises in exploring new business opportunities, demonstrate Hong Kong’s advantages in mutual accesses and contribute to the needs of the country.

“Heralding a New Chapter: Collaborate and Innovate” is the theme of this year’s Summit. Given the slowdown in global economic growth and the continuing havoc wrought by the COVID-19 pandemic, the need for collaboration among countries and economies is particularly pressing. The Belt and Road Initiative offers hope as well as a practical model for the world. Hong Kong will continue to leverage on our unique strengths in advancing the Belt and Road Initiative and the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, to better integrate into the overall development of the country.

My thanks to the Hong Kong Trade Development Council for organising such high-powered international event with the HKSAR Government this year. I wish you all the best of business at the Belt and Road Summit and a healthy and rewarding year ahead.