CE: New co-operation mechanism between HK and Chongqing enables development of both places to reach new heights
11.5.2023

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, continued his visit in Chongqing today (May 11). He led a delegation of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government to visit technology research and logistics facilities, met with leaders of Chongqing, and attended the High-Level Meeting cum First Plenary Session of the Hong Kong/Chongqing Co-operation Conference, witnessing the first new co-operation mechanism established with Mainland provinces and municipalities since the current term of the HKSAR Government took office. Mr Lee and the delegation first visited the Jinfeng Laboratory in the morning, to learn about the laboratory's innovation achievements in biotechnology and medicine aspects. They then visited the International Logistics Hub in Inland China Exhibition Centre in Chongqing to learn more about the development of the city's logistics infrastructure. At noon, Mr Lee visited the Ciqikou Ancient Town, a local cultural and tourism landmark, and watched cultural performances. Together with the Secretary of the CPC Chongqing Municipal Committee, Mr Yuan Jiajun, Mr Lee toured around the historic district to experience local culture. In the afternoon, the delegation of the HKSAR Government led by Mr Lee and the delegation of the Chongqing Municipal People's Government led by Mr Yuan, held the High-Level Meeting cum First Plenary Session of the Hong Kong/Chongqing Co-operation Conference. Mr Lee said that Hong Kong and Chongqing have maintained very close ties and the HKSAR Government established the Chongqing Liaison Unit as early as 2012 to actively promote exchanges between the two places in various fronts. He expressed his hope that Hong Kong and Chongqing can strengthen co-operation in such areas as the Belt and Road Initiative, cultural exchanges and youth development, with a view to better grasping the development opportunities brought about by the National 14th Five-Year Plan, and jointly developing for mutual benefits. The newly established Hong Kong/Chongqing co-operation conference mechanism is the first new co-operation mechanism set up with provinces and municipalities in the Mainland since the current-term HKSAR Government took office. It is also the third co-operation conference mechanism established by the HKSAR Government with Mainland municipalities directly under the Central Government, following Beijing and Shanghai. Mr Lee said he hopes that Hong Kong and Chongqing can achieve complementarity, enabling the development of both places to reach new heights and further promoting Hong Kong's proactive integration into the overall national development. At the plenary, Mr Lee and Mr Yuan jointly witnessed the signing of an agreement on the "Hong Kong/Chongqing Co-operation Conference Mechanism"; the "Co-operation Memorandum of the High-Level Meeting cum First Plenary Session of the Hong Kong/Chongqing Co-operation Conference"; the "Strategic Co-operation Memorandum between Chongqing Municipal Commission of Commerce and Hong Kong Trade Development Council"; as well as the "Co-operation Memorandum on Innovation and Technology between Hong Kong and Chongqing" by Chongqing and Hong Kong. After the plenary, Mr Lee and the HKSAR Government delegation attended a dinner hosted by Mr Yuan and the Mayor of Chongqing, Mr Hu Henghua. The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki; the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau; the Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong; and the Under Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, Mr Clement Woo, also attended the plenary and participated in the visit. Mr Lee will return to Hong Kong tomorrow (May 12). Ends/Thursday, May 11, 2023 Issued at HKT 20:17 NNNN