Chief Executive John Lee met Qinghai Governor Luo Dongchuan today to exchange views on deepening co-operation between Hong Kong and Qinghai.

Mr Lee welcomed Mr Luo and his delegation to Hong Kong to attend and officiate at a conference promoting Qinghai-Hong Kong economic and trade exchanges and co-operation.

Mr Lee noted that the economic and trade relations between both places have long been close, with Hong Kong being the largest source of external investment for Qinghai.

As of the end of 2023, the cumulative number of Hong Kong enterprises established in Qinghai had exceeded 340.

The Chief Executive pointed out that Hong Kong will continue to leverage its advantage of connecting the Mainland and the world, and work with Qinghai to achieve complementarity and mutual benefits, jointly contributing to the country's high-quality development.

Additionally, he indicated that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government attaches importance to youth development, as it encourages and supports Hong Kong youth to visit the Mainland for exchanges and internships to enhance their understanding of national development.

In July last year, more than 100 young people from Hong Kong visited Xining in Qinghai Province for an exchange programme.

Mr Lee thanked the Qinghai Provincial Government for its emphasis on and support for the event, and said he looks forward to more youth exchange projects to promote mutual friendship and broaden the horizons of young people from the two places.

With Xining being included as one of the applicable cities of the Individual Visit Scheme, and the resumption of direct flights between Xining and Hong Kong, the Chief Executive highlighted that people-to-people exchanges between Hong Kong and Qinghai will be further promoted.

He added that Hong Kong will continue to deepen its exchanges and co-operation with Qinghai in areas such as the economy and trade, cultural tourism and youth development, with a view to making greater contributions to national development.

Secretary for Constitutional & Mainland Affairs Erick Tsang and Director of the Chief Executive's Office Carol Yip also attended the meeting.