A Hong Kong business delegation - organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), led by the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Mr John Lee and accompanied by Principal Officials - was in Jakarta, Indonesia today following a visit to Singapore in the past two days. The 30-strong delegation of business leaders from Hong Kong's major organisations, chambers and enterprises is making a week-long visit to Association of Southeast Asian Nations members to strengthen ties, expand networks and discuss collaboration riding on new policies in Hong Kong to attract investment and talent, as well as the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), the Belt and Road Initiative and new cooperation agreements such as RCEP (Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership). Multiple MOUs were signed in Singapore (seven) and Indonesia (16), covering finance, trade, technology and cultural exchange.Delegates visited major enterprises, met officials to understand Indonesia's development, and held a networking lunch with the local business community themed Indonesia-Hong Kong, Partnering for Success, hosted by the HKTDC.
At a press conference before the luncheon Mr Lee said: "ASEAN is Hong Kong's second-largest trading partner globally. Among ASEAN states, Indonesia is the largest nation. We are here to consolidate our friendship with Indonesia and other ASEAN states. We wish to strengthen our long-standing co-operation for mutual growth. More importantly, we wish to tell our friends here the good and latest stories of Hong Kong."
Mr Lee was accompanied by Deputy Financial Secretary Mr Michael Wong, Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury Mr Christopher Hui and Secretary for Commerce and Economic and Development Mr Algernon Yau.
HKTDC Chairman Dr Peter K N Lam, HKEX Chief Executive Mr Nicholas Aguzin and Federation of Hong Kong Industries Chairman Mr Sunny Chai, representing various sectors in Hong Kong, shared their insights on business development of Hong Kong and Indonesia at the press conference.
During the luncheon speech, the Deputy Minister of Trade of the Republic of Indonesia Jerry Sambuaga expressed gratitude for the visit. He believed the exchange would benefit both parties and said: "Hong Kong is an important trading partner for Indonesia and I am optimistic that the Indonesia-Hong Kong relationship will grow stronger and be mutually beneficial."
On the same occasion HKTDC Chairman Dr Peter K N Lam said: "As an international business hub and a two-way platform between Mainland China and the world, Hong Kong is the perfect partner for Indonesian companies to tap into the Chinese market or to go global. As the Belt and Road Initiative enters its 10th year, we can work together to capitalise on the opportunities from a new phase of cooperation and sustainable development along the Belt and Road. HKTDC values the close ties between Hong Kong and Indonesia built up over years. Together, we have woven a story of mutual growth and prosperity. As we look to the future, we envision a stronger, deeper partnership between us."
During the two days in Indonesia, the delegation met representatives of key enterprises such as the Lippo Group and CT Corporation, and will also visit the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway which is an example of collaboration between Indonesia and Mainland China.
The delegation will move on to visit Malaysia over the next few days.
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