Chief Executive John Lee will depart on Sunday for a visit to three member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), namely Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia, to strengthen co-operation between Hong Kong and ASEAN countries in trade, economy and investment.

Mr Lee will lead a delegation to Singapore from July 23 to 25, then depart for Jakarta on July 25 and leave for Kuala Lumpur on July 27. He will return to Hong Kong on July 29.

The Chief Executive will meet local political and business leaders to introduce Hong Kong's unique advantages of enjoying the motherland's strong support and being closely connected to the world under the "one country, two systems" principle.

He will encourage ASEAN enterprises to expand their businesses in Hong Kong and explore the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area market by making good use of the city’s professional services and financing platform. The trip will also cover visits to local enterprises and major infrastructure projects.

Noting that the relationship between Hong Kong and ASEAN has always been close, Mr Lee said ASEAN is Hong Kong's second largest trading partner and the fifth largest economy in the world with strong impetus for economic development and unlimited potential.

Members of the delegation include Deputy Financial Secretary Michael Wong, Secretary for Financial Services & the Treasury Christopher Hui, Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Algernon Yau, Secretary for Transport & Logistics Lam Sai-hung, Secretary for Innovation, Technology & Industry Prof Sun Dong, Director of the Chief Executive's Office Carol Yip, Director of Information Services Fletch Chan and Acting Director-General of Investment Promotion Jimmy Chiang.

The delegation also comprises about 30 representatives from various sectors including industry and commerce, financial services, transport, logistics and e-commerce, and innovation and technology.

This is Mr Lee’s second visit to ASEAN countries since he took office, showing the great importance Hong Kong attaches towards the development potential of the ASEAN market. During his absence, Chief Secretary Chan Kwok-ki will be Acting Chief Executive.