Chief Executive Highlights Hong Kong's Role in GBA Development at Greater Bay Area Conference 2026

Speech by CE at Greater Bay Area Conference 2026: New Dynamics in Asia-Pacific Cooperation, New Opportunities for GBA Connectivity

Following is the video speech by the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, at Greater Bay Area Conference 2026: New Dynamics in Asia-Pacific Cooperation, New Opportunities for GBA Connectivity today (September 3):

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, Photo source: reference image

Honourable Vice-Chairman C Y Leung (Vice-Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and Chief Convenor of the Hong Kong Coalition), Mr Qu Yingpu (Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of China Daily),Deputy Director Sun Shangwu (Deputy Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR)),Deputy Commissioner Hua You (Deputy Commissioner of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the HKSAR), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

Good morning. I'm pleased to speak to you, once again, at the Greater Bay Area Conference. This annual event brings together business and political leaders, lawmakers, academics, and more for the national strategy of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) development. Through today's panels, you will explore the immense opportunities in finance, innovation, education and beyond, from Hong Kong's integration into the GBA.

The GBA is fast becoming one of the most dynamic and integrated economic powerhouses in the world. It brings together the strengths of nine Mainland cities and the two Special Administrative Regions of Hong Kong and Macao. Within this city cluster, Hong Kong plays a unique and irreplaceable role, supported by our distinctive advantages under the "one country, two systems" principle.

Hong Kong is the only world city that converges both the China advantage and the global advantage. We offer a highly market-oriented environment, anchored in the rule of law. We maintain a common law system. Capital, information and talent flow freely. Our tax regime is simple and low, backed by world-class professional services. Taken together, these strengths make Hong Kong a gateway connecting the Mainland and global markets.

This role takes on new significance this year. China will host the APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) Economic Leaders' Meeting in Shenzhen, a historic first for the GBA. Hong Kong will be hosting the APEC Finance Ministers' Meeting in October, while cities across the GBA will be organising different ministerial meetings. The spotlight is on our region. And we are ready.

Hong Kong, Photo source: reference image

In finance, Hong Kong has long been recognised as a leading international financial centre. Our markets are deep and liquid. Our regulatory regime is robust. Our pool of financial and professional talent is strong. Hong Kong is Asia's premier fundraising, asset management and risk management hub.

We build on these strengths through concrete measures, including the Cross-boundary Wealth Management Connect Scheme, and facilitating offshore Renminbi bond issuance. Step by step, we are building a more interconnected and diversified financial ecosystem.

In innovation, the Shenzhen-Hong Kong-Guangzhou innovation cluster ranked first, globally, in the Global Innovation Index last year. It shows what the GBA does best: turning cutting-edge ideas into tangible outcomes, and world-class research into products.

The Hong Kong Park of the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone is key to this effort. Here, Hong Kong's research excellence meets the Mainland's advanced manufacturing capabilities. As part of the Northern Metropolis, it will deepen collaboration with our GBA partners, from AI and biotech, to fintech and new energy.

Central to the development of our booming I&T (innovation and technology) industries is talent. Hong Kong is home to five of the world's top 100 universities. This is a powerful foundation for nurturing innovators and professionals who will shape the region's future. It also helps to attract a world of academics and research talent to our global city.

At the heart of our vision is the Northern Metropolis University Town Area. By adopting the concept of "one town, five elements", we will bring universities, research institutes and industries closer together, integrating the five elements of education, technology, talent, industry and urban development. This is how we cultivate talent, support enterprises and strengthen long-term competitiveness.

Ladies and gentlemen, the GBA is writing its next chapter. Hong Kong will continue to serve as a "super connector" and a "super value-adder" between the GBA and global markets. Integrating into and serving the overall national development, Hong Kong brings together ideas, capital and talent across boundaries, and connects the GBA with global markets. Together, we are not just building the GBA. We are shaping a more connected, innovative and prosperous future.

The Greater Bay Area, Photo source: reference image

My thanks to China Daily for organising this meaningful annual gathering. I wish you all an insightful and inspiring conference today. Thank you.

Hong Kong Customs detects case of non-registered precious metals and stones dealer carrying out specified transactions

Hong Kong Customs yesterday (September 8) detected a case involving a local company that conducted transactions of jewellery containing precious metals and stones valued at over HK$120,000, without registration under the Dealers in Precious Metals and Stones Regulatory Regime. The investigation is ongoing.

According to the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorist Financing Ordinance (Cap. 615), unless exempted, any person who is seeking to carry on a business of dealing in precious metals and stones and engage in any transaction(s) (whether making or receiving a payment) with a total value at or above HK$120,000 in Hong Kong is required to register with Hong Kong Customs. Any dealer, other than a registrant, who claims to be a registrant, claims to be authorised to carry out, or carries out any cash or non-cash transaction(s) with a total value at or above HK$120,000 is liable to a maximum fine of HK$100,000 and imprisonment for six months upon conviction.

Customs reminds dealers in precious metals and stones that they must obtain the relevant registration before they can carry out any cash or non-cash transaction(s) with a total value at or above HK$120,000.

For the forms, procedures and guidelines to submit applications for registration, please visit the website for Dealers in Precious Metals and Stones Registration System (www.drs.customs.gov.hk) or Customs' webpage (www.customs.gov.hk/en/service-enforcement-information/anti-money-laundering/supervision-of-dealers-in-precious-metals-and-ston/index.html).

Members of the public may report any suspected transactions involving precious metals and stones with a total value at or above HK$120,000 conducted without the required registration to Customs' 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account(crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).

Source: AI-found images