Chief Executive John Lee

I am delighted to witness with you today's MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) signing.

This is a real milestone: the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government and the Dongguan Government leading EcoCeres to build in Dongguan a sustainable aviation fuel value chain right here in the Greater Bay Area.

Traditional aviation fuel carries a heavy carbon footprint. Sustainable Aviation Fuel, SAF, cuts lifecycle emissions by more than 80%. That is a substantial step toward greener aviation.

The collaboration between Hong Kong and Dongguan is the realisation of the executive-led governance of Hong Kong and also the joint working of effective government and an efficient market. It is also an excellent example of synergy of the two places.

Hong Kong brings global finance, professional services and research capabilities. Dongguan brings mature chemical industry parks, logistics, and a steady supply of used cooking oil – the essential raw material for SAF. Together, we form a powerful combination.

The company at the heart of this project is EcoCeres. Incubated in Hong Kong, it has developed proprietary technology to turn waste cooking oil into internationally certified sustainable aviation fuel, SAF. That is why it holds a leading position in the global market.

Ladies and gentlemen, the world faces energy disruptions. But Hong Kong, under “one country, two systems”, enjoys a unique advantage: strong support from the motherland and close connections to the world. We can turn green challenges into green opportunities.

Today's MOU means policy alignment, co-ordinated resource mobilisation, and joint action between Hong Kong and Dongguan. We are linking the entire supply chain, from raw materials to production. That will drive investment and support our country's carbon reduction goals.

Looking ahead, we will continue to deepen Hong Kong-Guangdong collaboration. More policy connectivity. More resource sharing. More green projects.

Together, we will build a cleaner, greener future – for Hong Kong, for Dongguan, for the Greater Bay Area, for our country and for the world.

Chief Executive John Lee gave these remarks at the Signing Ceremony of Memorandum of Understanding - Establishment of Hong Kong's Sustainable Aviation Fuel Base in Dongguan on May 5.