Chief Executive Carrie Lam met National Development & Reform Commission Chairman He Lifeng in Beijing today to discuss Hong Kong's role in the Belt & Road Initiative.
Mrs Lam said the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government will discuss with the commission the signing of a bilateral agreement to boost Hong Kong's participation in the initiative.
"By strengthening co-operation with the Mainland under the initiative, and nurturing new growth areas for Hong Kong's economic development, our status as an international financial, trade and transportation centre will be further consolidated and enhanced, and our professional talents will have the opportunity to unleash their potential."
The agreement will lay down collaboration initiatives in areas including financing and fund-raising, project participation, economic and commercial exchanges as well as professional, public administration and infrastructure services.
Mrs Lam said both sides have agreed to establish a joint working mechanism and hold annual meetings to strengthen communication.
"The Commerce & Economic Development Bureau is tasked to co-ordinate the work of the Belt & Road Initiative for the HKSAR Government.
"We hope the drafting of the co-operation agreement can be completed as soon as practicable, with a view to signing it at the earliest opportunity."
