Ningbo strengthens ties with HK

The 2023 Ningbo-Hong Kong Economic Cooperation Forum opens in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region on June 27. [Photo/WeChat account: nbfb0574]

The 2023 Ningbo-Hong Kong Economic Cooperation Forum commenced in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region on June 27.

Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region John Lee Ka-chiu addressed the opening ceremony via video link.

Lee emphasized the close relationship between Hong Kong and Ningbo, highlighting Hong Kong's position as Ningbo's largest source of foreign investment, a vital trade partner, and a primary market for Ningbo businesses seeking to go public.

He commended the fruitful achievements of the Ningbo-Hong Kong Economic Cooperation Forum, which for over 20 consecutive editions, has bolstered economic, educational, and human resources as well as modern service ties between the two regions.

Lee also expressed Hong Kong's strong commitment to aligning with national strategies such as the Belt and Road Initiative and the construction of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area as well as its aspirations to deepen exchange and collaboration with Ningbo in order to make greater contributions to the country's high-quality development and high-level opening up.

Peng Jiaxue, Party chief of Ningbo, acknowledged the forum as a landmark platform enhancing exchange and cooperation between Ningbo and Hong Kong. He underscored Ningbo's unwavering dedication to fostering extensive cooperation with the SAR, with the ultimate objective of establishing an exemplary paradigm of collaboration between Hong Kong and mainland cities.

Peng also encouraged Hong Kong businesspeople of Ningbo origin to continue contributing to the city's development and work together to create a brighter future.

The forum's opening ceremony also promoted the Ningbo Free Trade Zone and the Yongjiang Science and Technology Innovation Zone and witnessed the signing of 24 major cooperation project agreements between Ningbo and Hong Kong.

Since its inception in 2002, the Ningbo-Hong Kong Economic Cooperation Forum has played a pivotal role in fostering bilateral economic ties. The cumulative value of cooperation projects signed into effect during previous editions of the forum reached approximately $25.5 billion in investment.