Chief Executive Carrie Lam took part in the 2021 Pan-Pearl River Delta (PPRD) Regional Co-operation Chief Executive Joint Conference in Chengdu today.

She discussed various matters with other government leaders including enhancing the connection of various key national strategies in the region, fostering domestic and international dual circulation and jointly participating in the high-quality development of the New Land & Marine Routes for Western Regions.

Mrs Lam spoke of the implementation of the National Security Law for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region since its promulgation and the passage of the decision by the National People's Congress to improve the city's electoral system.

“The refinement of the legal system and enforcement mechanisms has boosted Hong Kong's confidence in capitalising on our strengths and proactively integrating into the overall development of our country under the support of the National 14th Five-Year Plan, as well as participating in the high-quality development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and deepening economic, trade, innovation and technology co-operation with the Mainland.

“The PPRD platform, which has been established for many years, is our focus of enhancing co-operation.”

The Chief Executive also said the Hong Kong SAR Government had strengthened support to Hong Kong businesses and encouraged them to capitalise on the huge markets in the PPRD region.

Hong Kong would also give full play to its strengths on international experiences, modern services and professional talents, and serve as a bridge for PPRD enterprises' participation in the Belt & Road Initiative and expansion of overseas markets, she added.

On civil aviation and maritime transport, Mrs Lam stated that the Hong Kong SAR Government would continue to facilitate co-operation between the Hong Kong and Zhuhai airports, noting the provision of consultancy and training services to airports and aviation industries in the PPRD region by the Airport Authority and the International Aviation Academy would help build the capability of aviation talents and increase the overall competitiveness of airports in the region.

She encouraged companies in the PPRD region to make use of Hong Kong's high‑end maritime services to expand the scope for further development, stressing that the Hong Kong SAR Government and the trade would also enhance communication with PPRD regions.

Through the important platforms of Hong Kong Maritime Week and the Asian Logistics, Maritime & Aviation Conference and more, both sides would grasp the opportunities arising from the New Land & Marine Routes for Western Regions, she explained.

On cultural exchange, Mrs Lam emphasised that each of the nine PPRD Mainland provinces together with the Hong Kong and Macao Special Administrative Regions demonstrates its own cultural uniqueness. She pointed out that members of the PPRD could mutually enhance cultural exchanges and promote inheritance of Chinese culture.

Mrs Lam said she hopes the Hong Kong Week, co-ordinated on the Mainland since 2019 to introduce the city’s arts and cultural organisations and world-class creative talents, could be organised in various PPRD provinces in the future.

She also invited cultural organisations from the PPRD to organise comprehensive cultural performances, exhibitions, food promotion and other activities in Hong Kong to deepen people-to-people bonds and cultural exchanges.