John Lee Attends Global Free Trade Forum in Hainan, Promotes Hong Kong's Trade and Digital Development

CE arrives in Hainan to attend Boao Forum annual conference (with photos/video)

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, arrived in Hainan today (March 25) to attend the Global Free Trade Port Development Forum at the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2025.

Addressing the forum, Mr Lee said that Hong Kong, as an international financial, shipping, and trade centre, enjoys a strategic location and world-class connectivity, championing free and multilateral trade. Under the principle of "one country, two systems", Hong Kong is the only world city that combines the China advantage with the global advantage. It boasts a long tradition of the rule of law and has an established common law regime that aligns with major global financial hubs.

Mr Lee noted that as a participant in the Global Free Trade Zone (Port) Partnership Initiative, Hong Kong will continue to collaborate with Hainan in promoting the vast opportunities that free trade and market liberalisation could bring to the world.

In the evening, Mr Lee attended a dinner with leaders of Hainan Province to exchange views on deepening Hong Kong's co-operation with Hainan.

Additionally, the Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, attended the "Enhance Digital Capacity Building & Bridging Digital Divide" forum this afternoon. He outlined Hong Kong's move to accelerate digital economy development through strengthening digital infrastructure and fostering digital transformation. The Government is pressing ahead with the Digital Corporate Identity Platform project at full speed. By adhering to the principle of "promoting technology with talent, leading industries with technology, and attracting talent with industries", the Government will provide more quality jobs and development opportunities for innovation and technology (I&T) and digital talent in Hong Kong and for those coming to Hong Kong, thereby pooling I&T talent from around the globe.

Mr Lee will meet with leaders of Hainan Province and attend the signing ceremony of Memoranda of Understanding between the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government and the People's Government of Hainan Province tomorrow (March 26).

CE arrives in Hainan to attend Boao Forum annual conference (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

CE arrives in Hainan to attend Boao Forum annual conference (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

CE arrives in Hainan to attend Boao Forum annual conference (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Employer fined for violation of safety legislation

Citysearch Technology (HK) Company Limited was fined $180,000 at the Eastern Magistrates' Courts today (March 6) for violating the Occupational Safety and Health Ordinance. The prosecution was launched by the Labour Department.

The Eastern Magistrates' Courts, the Eastern Law Courts Building

The case involved a fatal accident that occurred on March 17, 2025, at a car park in Wan Chai. A worker, while walking in reverse with a loaded trolley down a vehicular ramp, lost his balance and fell backward, with the back of his head striking the floor. He was sent to hospital in an unconscious state and passed away nine days later.

Source: AI-found images