Chief Executive John Lee today said he promoted Hong Kong's strengths to enterprises in Thailand as he wrapped up his visit to attend Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation activities in Bangkok.

While speaking to the media this afternoon, Mr Lee explained that as part of his goal to promote Hong Kong to the business community there, his itinerary included a local tour.

“This morning, I went to a local restaurant where I had a meeting with colleagues from the Hong Kong Economic & Trade Office in Bangkok, because they will be starting up a new team to recruit talent under my new policy. So I listened to what they intend to do.

“I also explained more about my thinking so that they will be able to appreciate the purpose and intention behind.

“After that, I walked around the area and visited a grocery shop and saw that some of the goods actually are also available in some shops in Hong Kong. So the connection between the two places is strong.”

Mr Lee pointed out that in addition to meeting the Ambassador Extraordinary & Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China to the Kingdom of Thailand, he also visited two Thai firms.

“I visited the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in the Kingdom of Thailand. I have also explained to the ambassador that there will be a lot of activities we will be organising in Thailand in the coming period of time and I look to him for further assistance.

“I visited two very successful enterprises and I also made use of the opportunity to explain to the leaders of these two successful groups what Hong Kong can offer - Hong Kong's new strengths and Hong Kong’s traditional strengths - and what new policies and strategies will create extra competitiveness for Hong Kong. These mean extra opportunities for enterprises around the world.”