China News Agency, Beijing, June 22 (Xia Bin) The "2020 Caixin Summer Summit" was held in Beijing on the 22nd. The Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Lin Zhengyue, delivered an online speech during the meeting saying that as long as the system is improved, severe damage to safety will be cracked down. Hong Kong's economy will still recover after breaking the law and using its own advantages. "We will seize the vigorous development in the Asian region and seize the opportunities of the "Belt and Road" to enable Hong Kong to not only recover but also take it to a higher level."
In the first quarter of this year, the economy of Hong Kong contracted sharply by 8.9%, the largest decline in history. The unemployment rate from March to May rose to 5.9%, the highest level in more than 15 years.
"If Hong Kong's economy needs to start again, it is important to rebuild order and restart confidence." Lin Zhengyue said that Hong Kong has a free and open economy, an excellent legal tradition and a judicially independent system, a level playing field, a simple tax system and a low tax rate The world-class financial market and a large number of professionals, especially in finance and special services, have obvious advantages.
Lin Zhengyue further stated that ASEAN is Hong Kong's second largest trade partner in goods and the fourth largest service trade partner. In order to strengthen bilateral cooperation and explore business opportunities, Hong Kong and ASEAN signed a free trade agreement and investment agreement in 2017, which are in succession. Take effect.
According to its introduction, under the FTA, ASEAN member states will gradually reduce or exempt the customs duties imposed on Hong Kong origin goods, covering different types of goods. In terms of trade in services, Hong Kong service providers and ASEAN member countries will enjoy better business opportunities and legal protection of market access, involving a wide range of service sectors, including professional services and engineering, education, finance, transportation and arbitration services Wait.
Lin Zhengyue said that these are industries where Hong Kong has traditional advantages. It is believed that it will benefit Hong Kong's long-term economic growth and strengthen Hong Kong's role as an international trade business and financial center.
She also pointed out that the construction of the “Belt and Road” will enable Hong Kong enterprises and professional service sectors to better cope with the changes in the current international trade environment. The SAR Government and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council have been promoting Hong Kong enterprises and professional services to participate in the construction of the “Belt and Road” initiative. "After the epidemic has stabilized, we will speed up the promotion work, including organizing trade missions to promote the "Belt and Road" areas and strengthen direct contact with the local area. At the same time, we will actively promote the development of business in the economic and trade cooperation zones established by the Hong Kong industry in the country and overseas." (Finish)