Li Jiachao meets with the President of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank to assist in establishing an office in Hong Kong
Chief Executive John Lee met with the President of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank and senior officials from foreign governments who visited Hong Kong on Monday and Tuesday (26th to 27th). John Lee stated that in the face of the complex and ever-changing global trade landscape and geopolitical situation, the AIIB has been promoting sustainable economic development and advancing infrastructure connectivity in Asia. As a member of the AIIB, Hong Kong is the world's third-largest international financial center, with a thriving capital market, world-class professional services, and a diverse range of financial products, actively supporting the AIIB's operations in project financing, bond issuance, investment, and financial management.
John Lee expressed that Hong Kong will fully assist the AIIB in establishing an office in Hong Kong and will continue to leverage its unique advantages under "one country, two systems" to deepen cooperation with the AIIB, further contributing to the sustainable development of Asian infrastructure.
Accompanied by Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Edward Yau, John Lee met with Younis Haji Al Khoori, the UAE's Deputy Minister of Finance, who was also attended by the UAE Ambassador to China, Hussain bin Ibrahim Al Hammadi. John Lee noted that the total merchandise trade between Hong Kong and the UAE exceeded USD 16 billion in 2024, making the UAE Hong Kong's largest trading partner in the Middle East.
He expressed pleasure that after visiting the UAE in 2023, both sides continue to strengthen cooperation in multiple key areas such as trade, investment, finance, and technology. The UAE, as an important link in global trade, actively participates in the Belt and Road Initiative. Hong Kong, as an international financial, shipping, and trade center, has world-class infrastructure and professional talent, and is fully committed to building an international innovation and technology center, playing a good role as a functional platform for the Belt and Road Initiative, and jointly seizing the vast opportunities brought by the initiative with the UAE for mutual benefit.
On Monday, accompanied by Deputy Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Chen Baile, John Lee met with Mehmet Simsek, the Turkish Minister of Treasury and Finance, with the Turkish Ambassador to China, Selcuk Unal, also in attendance. John Lee stated that Turkey, located at the junction of Asia and Europe, is a major economy along the Belt and Road, while Hong Kong is a key node of the Belt and Road, playing an important role as a "super connector" and "super value adder."
John Lee pointed out that Hong Kong and Turkey have signed a comprehensive agreement to avoid double taxation and an agreement to promote and protect investment, and both places will continue to strengthen economic and trade cooperation and cultural exchanges. He welcomed Turkish enterprises to use Hong Kong as a gateway to explore the mainland China and Asian markets, jointly expanding more opportunities; at the same time, he encouraged more Turkish youth to come to Hong Kong for further studies and career development through the "Belt and Road Scholarship."
