Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Edward Yau will lead a 52-strong delegation to visit Malaysia and Thailand from November 25 to 29.

The delegation will promote Hong Kong’s strengths on various fronts in the pursuit of the Belt & Road Initiative, foster stronger trade and economic ties and explore new business opportunities.

The delegates will first visit Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia before heading to Bangkok, Thailand, to continue their visit from November 27 to 29.

Apart from meeting local government officials, business leaders and chambers of commerce, delegates will visit leading companies and the Mainland’s overseas Economic and Trade Co-operation Zones to understand the latest developments in both places.

Business matching opportunities will also be staged to promote partnership and co-operation opportunities.

The delegates will also attend business seminars and networking luncheons in Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok, where Mr Yau will give keynote speeches.

He will call on the Chinese Ambassadors to Malaysia and Thailand to keep them abreast of Hong Kong’s latest developments.

Mr Yau said Malaysia and Thailand are Hong Kong’s close partners in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

He stressed that the forthcoming mission is another step to reinforce the city’s relationship with these two fast-growing ASEAN countries.

The delegation consists of entrepreneurs and professionals from a wide range of sectors to demonstrate Hong Kong’s comprehensive and competitive edges.

They include finance, insurance, legal and dispute resolution, technology and telecommunications, cultural and creative industries, start-ups and more.

During Mr Yau’s absence, Under Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Bernard Chan will be Acting Secretary.