Chief Secretary Carrie Lam and Fujian Vice-Governor Liang Jianyong co-chaired the Second Hong Kong-Fujian Co-operation Conference at the Central Government Offices today.
Mrs Lam noted this year marks the beginning of the National 13th Five-Year Plan’s implementation and that the Mainland is proactively making efforts to pursue the Belt & Road Initiative's development.
Both sides will continue to create opportunities for co-operation in the areas of economic and trade, financial services, culture, creative industries and youth exchange, she said.
Markets in countries and regions along the Belt & Road will be explored through different collaborative approaches and multi-destination cruise itineraries will be developed which include Hong Kong and Fujian.
Financial co-operation will be strengthened through encouraging more Hong Kong service providers in professions such as accountancy, insurance and securities to set up businesses in Fujian and by encouraging more Fujian enterprises to list in Hong Kong and set up captive insurers in the city.
They also agreed to support the manufacturing, innovation and technology, and service industries in both places to enhance exchanges and explore co-operation opportunities to promote Hong Kong’s "re-industrialisation" and the transformation and upgrading of Fujian's manufacturing industry.
Youth exchange will be a key Hong Kong-Fujian co-operation item in the coming years.
Apart from enhancing the sister school scheme, both sides will support their youngsters in conducting reciprocal visits and joint study tours to countries and regions along the Maritime Silk Road.
There will be continued co-operation in cultural and creative industries and two-way exchanges on arts exhibitions and performances as well as sports events will be encouraged.
