Leung: HK can be a 'super-connector'

HKSAR Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying delivers a speech at the opening ceremony of the Belt and Road Summit at Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center in Wan Chai on Wednesday morning. (Roy Liu / China Daily)

HONG KONG - Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying pledged on Wednesday that Hong Kong can contribute beyond the economic areas in the nation’s strategic Belt and Road (B&R) Initiative as the SAR is well-positioned to foster people-to-people bonds with the more than 60 countries and regions along the Belt and Road route.

He made the remarks in his welcoming speech at the inaugural Belt and Road Summit hosted by the HKSAR government at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, at which National People’s Congress Standing Committee Chairman Zhang Dejiang, who’s also in charge of Hong Kong and Macao affairs, delivered the keynote address.

Stressing Hong Kong’s role as the “super-connector” between the Chinese mainland and the rest of the world in trade, logistics, innovation, culture and other fields, Leung said the city can contribute to many areas as well, with its distinctive advantage as an international financial and offshore renminbi center.

The SAR can also provide asset, contract and capital management services for the enormous infrastructure projects to be rolled out under the blueprint.

Leung noted that Hong Kong can further offer professional services in accounting, legal and risk management in a new business environment and in handling negotiations for both the Chinese mainland and countries along the Belt and Road.

Beyond that, he added, Hong Kong, as a rigorous society with many think tanks, as well as trade and youth groups, can reach out to countries and regions along the Belt and Road route through unofficial visits and exchange programs.