CE to lead TeamHK delegation to World Economic Forum
16.1.2020

The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, will lead a top-level delegation to this year's World Economic Forum (WEF) at Davos to remind global political, business and media leaders that Hong Kong's enduring strengths and advantages continue to serve it well. Mrs Lam arrives in Davos on January 21 and will return to Hong Kong on January 25 at the start of the Lunar New Year. Joining Mrs Lam in TeamHK will be the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Edward Yau; the Chairman of the Airport Authority Hong Kong, Mr Jack So, and its Chief Executive, Mr Fred Lam; the Chair of Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited, Mrs Laura Cha, and its Chief Executive, Mr Charles Li; the Chief Executive Officer of the MTR Corporation Limited, Dr Jacob Kam, and its Deputy Director, Mr Jerry Li; the Chairman of Swire Pacific, Mr Merlin Swire; and the Chairman and CEO of Far East Consortium International, Mr David Chiu. It will be the largest and most high-powered Hong Kong delegation to attend the WEF in more than 20 years. TeamHK will be out in strength on January 23 for Hong Kong Night, which includes a Q&A with Mrs Lam and three panel discussions on the topics "East Meets West - Global Capital Markets in the New Decade", "Hong Kong, Trade Capital - Connecting Asia, Connecting the World" and "The Greater Bay Area - Mobility, Infrastructure and Property". Mrs Lam said she understood the global interest in Hong Kong and would take the opportunity to engage as many Davos attendees as possible to impress upon them the city's strengths and advantages. "Much has happened in Hong Kong over the past year, and challenges remain. But our fundamentals remain strong and our future remains bright," Mrs Lam said. "We are a free and open society and a highly competitive international business and financial hub. This is the message I and TeamHK will take to Davos." Mrs Lam said she would stress the resilience and flexibility of Hong Kong and its people. "This is not the first time we have faced a crisis. We always bounce back - that is the enduring power of Hong Kong. Our enhanced presence at the WEF serves to update, reassure and remind people that Hong Kong is very much 'ON' and will remain a globally significant city." Mrs Lam said that whether addressing the current social unrest or paving the way for future development, Hong Kong would strictly adhere to the "One Country, Two Systems" principle. She said "One Country, Two Systems" provides Hong Kong with a unique set of advantages in China and globally. "Hong Kong continues to play an important role in China's further opening up and reform," she said. "There are significant, long-term opportunities for Hong Kong in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and under the Belt and Road Initiative." Mrs Lam said she would inform WEF audiences that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government was dealing with deep-seated issues and would not accept violence in any way, shape or form to resolve them. "Hong Kong is not alone in facing social problems related to topics such as upward mobility, youth discontent, income disparity and housing affordability," she said. "We know we need to deal with these issues, and we will. "Dialogue has been held with hundreds of stakeholders and is ongoing. In that respect, I will also be in listening mode in Davos too." Mrs Lam also said she would reinforce the message that Hong Kong remains safe and welcoming for business and investment despite isolated disruptions from time to time. "Our institutional strengths remain strong, and these are important for international business confidence," she said. "Our legal system has stood up well. It is our bedrock and is underpinned by a fiercely independent judiciary. "The stock market, money market and banking systems are all operating smoothly; so is the airport and port. We have substantial fiscal reserves in excess of US$130 billion to help us ride out the economic downturn. These are very solid foundations which continue to serve us well." During Mrs Lam's attendance at the WEF Annual Meeting, she will address different sessions organised by the WEF and other organisations. She will also meet with leaders of various economies, the WEF and the business sector. While she is in Davos, the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Matthew Cheung Kin-chung, will be the Acting Chief Executive. More details on Hong Kong's participation at the WEF can be found on the BrandHK website at www.brandhk.gov.hk/html/en/WhatSOn/HK-at-WEF20.html . Ends/Thursday, January 16, 2020 Issued at HKT 19:17 NNNN