Press Release
LegCo delegation exchanges views with representatives of ASEAN Member States in Indonesia (with photos)
The Legislative Council (“LegCo”) delegation, led by the President of LegCo, Hon Andrew LEUNG Kwan-yuen, began its duty visit in Indonesia today (15 May). The delegation hosted a networking reception with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (“ASEAN”) Community in Indonesia in the afternoon. Representatives from ASEAN member states, Observer State and Dialogue Partners attended the reception.
Hosting the reception, Hon Andrew LEUNG stated that under the “One Country, Two Systems” principle, Hong Kong holds a unique advantage in playing the role of a “super-connector” and a “super value-adder”. By leveraging this advantage, Hong Kong can facilitate ASEAN countries’ access to the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area market, working together to promote the Belt and Road Initiative collectively. Hon Andrew LEUNG also highlighted that Hong Kong, as an international financial centre, an asset and wealth management hub, and the world's largest offshore Renminbi service centre, can facilitate ASEAN countries to gain access to and explore business opportunities in the mainland market. Additionally, he emphasised that the implementation of the national security legislation in Hong Kong provides a stable and secure environment for business and investment.
Members of the delegation also introduced to the representatives the latest development on commerce, finance, Innovation and Technology and tourism in Hong Kong. The delegation expressed gratitude for the support of ASEAN Members States to Hong Kong’s early accession to the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (“RCEP”). Delegation members have every confidence that after joining RCEP, Hong Kong can strengthen the collaboration with ASEAN countries in areas such as finance, infrastructure, Innovation and Technology, tourism, education, thus enhancing regional economic development and prosperity.
The delegation then paid a courtesy call on the Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN, Mr Satvinder Singh, to exchange views on topics related to Hong Kong’s accession to RCEP. The delegation explained that Hong Kong has well-established infrastructure and strong foundation in digital technology, financing as well as bond markets, which would help ASEAN countries explore new market opportunities.
The delegation then had dinner and exchanged views with the Chinese Ambassador to ASEAN, Ms HOU Yanqi. The delegation expressed heartfelt gratitude for Ms HOU’s support and assistance which had enabled the delegation to engage with representatives of the ASEAN community to tell the good stories of Hong Kong and exchange views on regional economic and trade co-operation, deepening Hong Kong’s relationship with ASEAN and providing an opportunity for the delegation to advocate for Hong Kong's early accession to RCEP.
The delegation also engaged in discussions with Chinese Ambassador to Indonesia, Mr LU Kang this morning to exchange views on how to strengthen the economic, trade, and cultural connections between Hong Kong and ASEAN countries, including Indonesia. The delegation extended gratitude to the Central Government and Mr LU Kang for their continuous support for Hong Kong’s accession to RCEP which would contribute to the economic development of the entire Asia-Pacific region.
In addition, the delegation took a ride on the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway (“JBHSR”) in the morning to learn about the operation and future development of JBHSR. Commissioned in October last year, JBHSR connects Jakarta and Bandung, the capital of West Java Province and the third-largest city of Indonesia. JBHSR is Southeast Asia’s first high-speed railway and a key project of the Belt and Road Initiative. The delegation noted that JBHSR has greatly benefited the local economy and created job opportunities. They also shared Hong Kong’s experience in operating and managing high-speed railways, and discussed the opportunities that Hong Kong and Indonesia could jointly pursue in transport infrastructure projects under the Belt and Road Initiative.
The delegation will continue its duty visit in Indonesia tomorrow (16 May) and depart for Singapore in the evening.
Ends/Wednesday, 15 May 2024
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The Legislative Council delegation begins its duty visit in Indonesia today (15 May). The delegation hosts a networking reception with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (“ASEAN”) Community and meets with the Permanent Representatives from ASEAN Member States, Ambassadors of Observer State and Dialogue Partners.
The delegation promotes Hong Kong’s unique strength to representatives from ASEAN countries.
The delegation pays a courtesy call on the Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN, Mr Satvinder Singh (eighth right).
The President of LegCo, Hon Andrew LEUNG Kwan-yuen, who lead the delegation, exchanges views with the Chinese Ambassador to ASEAN, Ms HOU Yanqi (right).
The delegation meets with the Chinese Ambassador to Indonesia, Mr LU Kang (sixth right).
The delegation takes a ride on the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway.