Chief Executive John Lee today continued his visit to Korea to participate in Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) activities and met leaders from Singapore, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
Fostering collaboration: Mr Lee (fourth left) meets Prime Minister of Singapore Lawrence Wong (fourth right). Image source: news.gov.hk
In the morning, Mr Lee joined the APEC Economic Leaders' Informal Dialogue with Guests, in which he said Hong Kong will uphold the rules-based multilateral trading system and promote regional economic co-operation in developing an open, dynamic, resilient and peaceful Asia-Pacific community.
During a meeting with Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, the UAE, Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Chief Executive said Hong Kong's simple and low tax regime provides an excellent business environment and encouraged more talent, businesses and capital from the UAE and the Middle East to establish a presence in the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science & Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone.
Financial connection: Mr Lee (right) meets IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva. Image source: news.gov.hk
In the afternoon, Mr Lee attended the APEC Business Advisory Council Dialogue with APEC Economic Leaders. Hong Kong, China's representatives to the APEC Business Advisory Council Mary Huen and Geoffrey Kao were also present.
The Chief Executive also met Managing Director of the IMF Kristalina Georgieva and thanked the IMF for consistently reaffirming Hong Kong's status as an international financial centre
Noting that Hong Kong is one of the world's major financial centres, he said the city will harness the asset-reallocation wave of global investors to continuously reform its capital markets, facilitate corporate fundraising, enhance market liquidity and promote financial innovation.
Trade talks: Chief Executive John Lee (right) joins President Xi Jinping (left) at the APEC Economic Leaders’ Informal Dialogue with Guests in Gyeongju, Korea. Image source: news.gov.hk
Mr Lee met Prime Minister of Singapore Lawrence Wong afterwards. He welcomed Singaporean enterprises to invest in the city's Northern Metropolis, thereby strengthening co-operation in frontier technology fields and tapping into the Greater Bay Area's vast market potential.
The Chief Executive, Mr. John Lee, visited two elderly households in the Prosperous Garden, Yau Ma Tei, for the year-end caring visit this morning.
Photo by Bastille Post
The 91-year-old Uncle Kwan shared his enjoyment of singing Cantonese opera with Mr. John Lee, pointing at a Cantonese opera poster with his portrait on the wall. He said that, encouraged by staff at the district center, he attempted to perform Cantonese opera. As his interest grew stronger, he would occasionally sing at the community hall. Mr. John Lee commented that Uncle Kwan was energetic, healthy, and had a booming voice. Uncle Kwan mentioned that he would also act as a volunteer every now and then, saying, "When others are in trouble, we should try our best to help." Mr. John Lee praised him for embodying the spirit of mutual support and encouraged him to participate in more community activities. Uncle Kwan wished Lee "to lead Hong Kong to new heights."
Mr. John Lee visited Uncle Kwan
Another household Mr. John Lee visited was that of 82-year-old Ms. Choi and her 87-year-old husband, Mr. Kwan, both athletes. Ms. Choi was a former diver, and Mr. Kwan was a former footballer. The couple chatted about their past athletic achievements and shared their life in the Prosperous Garden with Mr. John Lee. Ms. Choi said her retirement life was very pleasant: she would enjoy morning tea with her friends and frequently participated in the community's vibrant activities. She noted that many age-friendly facilities have been set up around and felt both the community and Hong Kong society were very welcoming to the elderly, describing retirement in Hong Kong as far superior to other countries and regions. Mr. Kwan reminded Mr. John Lee to take care of his health amidst his busy schedule and continue leading Hong Kong forward. Mr. John Lee expressed his satisfaction with their happy life and wished them good health and a prosperous Year of the Horse.
Mr. John Lee visited Ms. Choi and Mr. Kwan
Mr. John Lee then visited the Elderly Service Centre, playing games and chatting with the elderly residents. He stated that the elderly have created more value for Hong Kong, and he himself is also a beneficiary, making him hope to visit everyone at the end of the Year of the Snake. Witnessing the continuous progress in community facilities and the energetic spirits of the elderly, he pointed out that community services ought to keep improving and enable every resident to live in a harmonious community.
Mr. John Lee visited the Elderly Service Centre, playing games and chatting with the elderly residents.
Mr. John Lee visited the Elderly Service Centre, playing games and chatting with the elderly residents.
