Chief Executive CY Leung promoted Hong Kong's strengths as a super-connector during the first day of his first official visit to Israel today.
He called on Israeli President Reuven Rivlin to discuss strengthening Hong Kong-Israel relations, such as in innovation and technology.
During a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Mr Leung explained how Hong Kong’s role as a super connector can help Israeli companies access business opportunities in China and the rest of Asia.
Mr Leung, who is leading a 30-member delegation of Hong Kong officials, academics, and industry and research sector leaders, also outlined Hong Kong’s advantages under ‘One country, two systems’.
"We are eager to draw reference from Israel in its successful evolution into a major player in innovation and technology, and apply suitably to Hong Kong to fire up our economic engine," he said.
"Hong Kong is not short of talent and creativity, but we need closer collaboration and better co-ordination among the government, academia, industry and research sectors."
Mr Leung also visited the Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial where he laid a wreath to mourn Holocaust victims, and received a briefing at the Holocaust History Museum.
He will also tour a leading technology company specialising in the development of automobile driver assistance later today, and visit the Hebrew University of Jerusalem to learn more about its success in developing its technology-transfer company.
Deputy Foreign Minister Tzipi Hotovely will host a dinner for the delegation tonight, during which the Chief Executive will deliver a keynote speech on Hong Kong’s wealth of business opportunities.
