Forging stronger ties with ASEAN

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is Hong Kong's second largest trading partner in goods and fourth largest in services. It is also a group of economies covered by the "One Belt, One Road" initiatives.

Political and business leaders from southeast Asian countries have gathered in Kuala Lumpur these few days for the ASEAN Summit and the annual ASEAN Leadership Forum. I will address the Forum tomorrow to promote Hong Kong and encourage closer economic and trade ties between ASEAN and Hong Kong.

Talks between ASEAN and Hong Kong on a Free Trade Agreement are progressing smoothly. We look forward to a successful conclusion in the coming year, which will open up the huge ASEAN market for Hong Kong.

Apart from engaging in G2G (government-to-government) work to promote economic and trade relations, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government also pays great attention to the needs and views of Hong Kong people working overseas. That is why I have arranged a meeting with Hong Kong people in Kuala Lumpur to listen to their views and explain what the HKSAR Government has been doing recently.

The Hong Kong people that I met this evening come from a wide range of sectors and professions including engineering, railways, environmental protection, healthcare, accounting, clothing and hair-styling.

At the meeting, I also informed them of the HKSAR Government's intention to set up an additional Economic and Trade Office in Asia to provide more effective support for our people.

Video of the Chief Executive meeting with Hong Kong people in Kuala Lumpur

April 25, 2015