Lee calls for mutual respect in trade relations

He also stressed the importance of non-interference in local affairs.

Chief Executive John Lee has urged countries worldwide to respect Hong Kong’s efforts to establish mutually beneficial trade relationship.

Speaking before the weekly Executive Council meeting, Lee addressed the city’s commitment to free and open trade amid questions regarding the ongoing U.S. presidential election. He reiterated Hong Kong's role as one of the world’s most open economies, firmly advocating for a multilateral trading system.

“Hong Kong and I attach great importance to its relations with both mature and emerging markets," he said. "We welcome normal business exchanges, economic activities and people-to-people exchanges with different economies, including the US."

Lee noted that the US has enjoyed a trade surplus of about US$270 billion with Hong Kong over the past decade, with more than 1,200 American companies operating in the city.

“We aim to build fair and free trade relations with a focus on mutual respect,” he said, “but we will protect the legitimate interests of Hong Kong businesses.”

The chief executive also stressed the importance of non-interference in local affairs, stating that respect is essential for countries or economies aiming to establish or maintain healthy trade relations with others.