Chief Executive John Lee met with Huang Qiang, Secretary of the CPC Jilin Provincial Committee and Director of the Standing Committee of the Jilin Provincial People’s Congress, yesterday at Government House to exchange views on cooperation and people-to-people exchanges between Hong Kong and Jilin. Acting Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, Mr. Hu Jianmin, and Director of the Chief Executive’s Office, Ms. Ye Wenjuan, also attended.
Fulfilling the Role of a Super Connector
John Lee welcomed Huang Qiang and his delegation’s visit to Hong Kong and their participation in the Jilin-Hong Kong economic and trade exchange and industry promotion activities. He stated that Jilin is an important northern gateway for the country’s Belt and Road Initiative, with strong industrial and manufacturing capabilities, especially in the automotive and high-speed rail sectors, which are at the forefront in China. As a functional platform for the Belt and Road, Hong Kong will continue to play its role as a “super connector” and “super value-adder,” promoting international exchange and cooperation, helping Jilin and other provinces and cities expand into international markets, and attracting more foreign investment into China.
John Lee pointed out that Hong Kong has always been Jilin’s largest source of foreign investment, with cumulative investment exceeding US$9 billion as of 2024. Moreover, Hong Kong’s arts and youth groups have visited Jilin multiple times in recent years for exchange activities, reflecting the close ties and deep friendship between Jilin and Hong Kong in various fields including economy, culture, and youth engagement.
He added that the launch of direct flights between Hong Kong and Changchun, Jilin’s capital, in December last year will further promote economic and cultural exchanges between the two regions and enhance mutual understanding. Hong Kong will continue to deepen multi-faceted cooperation with Jilin, complement each other’s strengths, and jointly contribute more to national development.
