Hong Kong and Shanghai strengthen ties across various sectors

Some areas of collaboration include the Belt and Road development and business investment, innovation and technology, digital economy, finance, and civil aviation.

Chief Executive John Lee and Shanghai Mayor Gong Zheng signed a memorandum covering 15 areas of cooperation between Hong Kong and Shanghai at the Sixth Plenary Session of the Hong Kong-Shanghai Cooperation Conference.

The areas of collaboration encompass joint endeavors in Belt and Road development and business investment, innovation and technology, digital economy, finance, civil aviation, maritime transport, logistics, cultural and creative industries, education, talent development, youth development, legal services, environmental governance, city planning, management, healthcare, sports, social welfare services, and facilitation measures for Hong Kong residents in the Mainland.

Additionally, governmental departments, statutory bodies, and relevant organisations from both regions signed 20 cooperation agreements, further solidifying their commitment to mutual cooperation and development.

Lee acknowledged the steadfast support from both the central government and the Shanghai Municipal Government since 2003. He emphasised Hong Kong's pivotal role as a major export market for Shanghai and a significant source of foreign investment.

The chief executive also highligted Hong Kong's commitment to leveraging its unique advantages under the "one country, two systems" framework, in tandem with robust support from the mainland, to deepen collaboration with Shanghai.