Chief Executive John Lee today hosted a welcome dinner for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Business Advisory Council (ABAC) delegates attending the second 2024 ABAC Meeting in Hong Kong.

Speaking at the dinner, Mr Lee highlighted the commitment of Hong Kong, China, to the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC).

He said: “We firmly believe in regional economic integration. We believe that co-operation, at every level, is essential if we are to overcome our shared global challenges.

“More than good business partners, the economies of APEC are incubators of ideas, promoting inclusive, innovative and sustainable growth for the Asia-Pacific region. We value the input and insights of ABAC and its business leaders in realising these collective goals.”

Mr Lee also shared with the delegates Hong Kong’s growth strategy through innovation, inclusiveness and sustainability, adding that he looked forward to working with the ABAC business community in fostering growth in the region.

The second 2024 ABAC Meeting, taking place in Hong Kong from April 22 to 25, gathers over 200 ABAC members and staffers from APEC’s 21 member economies. It focuses on discussions about trade and investment facilitation, digital transformation, sustainability and inclusion under the theme “People, Business, Prosperity”.

Addressing the opening ceremony today, Financial Secretary Paul Chan said: “Hong Kong, China, is a proud contributor to the region’s economic development. We are committed to communicating and co-operating with other member economies to advance the APEC and ABAC agenda, for the benefits of the businesses and people in the region.”

Mr Chan also highlighted the areas on which Hong Kong could further work together with ABAC - to promote international free trade and overcome roadblocks to supply chain and logistics network, to advance regional green transition and transformation, and to drive the growth of the digital economy.

During the ABAC event in Hong Kong, delegates will discuss regional economic integration, sustainability, human development and innovation.They will also visit various places in Hong Kong to experience its cultural scene, performance sports, technological development, startup ecosystem, smart health care, conservation efforts and logistics infrastructure.