Hong Kong and Fujian deepen cooperation in finance, trade

The new pacts also cover innovation and tech and education.

Hong Kong and Fujian have signed a series of cooperation agreements covering finance, trade, logistics, innovation and technology, education, youth development, and tourism.

The agreements were signed at the fifth plenary session of the Hong Kong/Fujian Cooperation Conference during a visit to Fujian by Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee.

The two sides signed a memorandum of cooperation covering finance; civil aviation, maritime transport and logistics; economics, trade and investment; innovation and technology; and legal and dispute resolution, the governments said.

They also signed six cooperation agreements and memoranda of understanding covering culture and tourism, youth development, finance, economics and trade, and education.

During the visit, Lee met CPC Fujian provincial committee secretary Zhou Zuyi.

Lee said Hong Kong and Fujian have close economic and trade ties and serve as important gateways for China's opening-up efforts.

He added that Hong Kong has long been the largest source of external investment into Fujian.

He also highlighted the Hong Kong SAR government's Task Force on Supporting Mainland Enterprises in Going Global, which helps Mainland companies expand into overseas markets through Hong Kong.

Also attending the conference were chief secretary for administration Chan Kwok-ki, secretary for financial services and the treasury Christopher Hui, secretary for home and youth affairs Alice Mak, secretary for culture, sports and tourism Rosanna Law.

They were also joined by secretary for constitutional and mainland affairs Janice Tse, and director of the chief executive's office Carol Yip.

Lee also visited Sanfang Qixiang, a historical and cultural district in Fujian, where he said Hong Kong would continue to strengthen cultural and tourism cooperation with the province.