(To watch the full media session with sign language interpretation, click here.)

Chief Executive Carrie Lam today said she will promote Hong Kong's interests, and aims to have Hong Kong and Shenzhen be a dual engine for growth in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

Making the remarks ahead of the Executive Council meeting this morning, Mrs Lam clarified that when she earlier said that Shenzhen’s gross domestic product (GDP) had exceeded that of Hong Kong’s, it should not be misunderstood that she does not care.

“When I mentioned that, yes, Shenzhen’s GDP has exceeded Hong Kong for two years by now, I did say that because Shenzhen is much bigger.

“Shenzhen has been developing very well, so to have a higher GDP is only natural, but of course, in terms of per capita GDP, Hong Kong still is higher than Shenzhen.

“If I don't care, I would not spend so much time to nurture and promote the Hong Kong-Mainland relationship and the Hong Kong-Shenzhen relationship.

“If I don't care, I would not put up all these proposals or support measures to the Central People's Government for them to consider positively so that I can take Hong Kong's economy to another high level.

“If I don't care, I would not be leading my government team to analyse and understand the measures given to Shenzhen to see whether there is synergy, or opportunities for Hong Kong.”

The Chief Executive pointed out she will fight for Hong Kong's interests both within the Mainland and globally.

“I'm now aiming that both Hong Kong and Shenzhen will become a dual engine for growth in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and of course in the whole of China. So, that is my strategy to help Hong Kong's economy, not only to recover, but to prosper in the coming years.”