Chief Executive John Lee made great headway while visiting Lima, Peru, as he participated in Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) activities, witnessed the signing of a free trade agreement between Hong Kong and Peru, and met top officials of Malaysia, Vietnam and Singapore.

Yesterday morning, Mr Lee joined the APEC Leaders’ Informal Dialogue with Guests. In his remarks, he said that Hong Kong, as an international trade, financial and professional services centre, can share its experience in digital transformation and sustainable finance in contributing to the acceleration of regional energy transition.

Mr Lee highlighted that Hong Kong, while participating in the Belt & Road Initiative, will continue to engage in the development of APEC, with a view to strengthening mutually beneficial partnerships with other member economies and jointly developing an open, dynamic, resilient and peaceful Asia-Pacific community.

Afterwards, he met Malaysian Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim and told him that Hong Kong is planning to establish an economic and trade office in Kuala Lumpur to strengthen co-operation with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

Congratulating Malaysia for its upcoming chairmanship of ASEAN next year, Mr Lee expressed hope that Malaysia will continue to support Hong Kong’s early accession to the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).

In the afternoon, Mr Lee attended the “APEC Leaders’ Dialogue with the APEC Business Advisory Council” and a working lunch. During the discussion session, he exchanged views with Chilean President Gabriel Boric on topics such as digital economy, digital trade, artificial intelligence development, and the multilateral trading system.

Furthermore, during the meeting, Mr Lee congratulated Luong Cuong on his recent appointment as President of Vietnam. The Chief Executive added that during his visit to Vietnam this past July, the governments and enterprises of the two places signed 30 memoranda of understanding in areas including trade, investment, education and tourism, yielding fruitful results.

Mr Lee then met Singaporean Prime Minister & Minister for Finance Lawrence Wong to exchange views on issues of mutual interest. Mr Lee noted that Hong Kong will continue to strengthen multifaceted co-operation with Singapore, including in the areas of green and digital economies as well as other emerging industries. He also expressed gratitude to Singapore for its continued support for Hong Kong’s early accession to the RCEP.

Afterwards, Mr Lee and Peruvian President Dina Boluarte jointly witnessed the signing of a free trade agreement between Hong Kong and Peru.

In the evening, the Chief Executive attended a gala dinner hosted by the organiser for participating leaders, and watched cultural performances.

As part of his agenda today, he plans to attend the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting Retreat and meet representatives from the Peruvian business sector.