Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Algernon Yau attended the opening of the 2023 (China) Eurasia Commodity & Trade Expo in Urumqi, Xinjiang on Thursday, with the goal of promoting economic and trade ties between Hong Kong and Xinjiang.
This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Belt & Road Initiative, and at a symposium at the expo Yau said Hong Kong will continue to contribute to the country's development under it.
He added that the city is able to connect global investors with promising projects along the Belt & Road, while at the same time fostering Hong Kong-Mainland collaboration and innovation. He stressed that now was the best time for Hong Kong to give full play to its dual roles in "going global and attracting foreign investment".
Pointing out that Hong Kong is Xinjiang's largest source of external investment, while Xinjiang enjoys geographical advantages from being at the core of the Silk Road Economic Belt, the commerce chief said further opportunities to collaborate with Xinjiang can be found in the production and marketing of quality Xinjiang products, manufacturing, and cultural tourism.
He explained Xinjiang can expand the sales channels for its specialty goods by making use of Hong Kong's resources and platforms.
On the sidelines of the expo, Yau met Chairman of China Council for the Promotion of International Trade of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Mo Weigang, and Xinjiang Production & Construction Corps' Party Secretary & Political Commissar Li Yifei, to discuss ways to enhance co-operation and achieve complementarity between Hong Kong and Xinjiang enterprises.
Yau also visited the Urumqi China-Europe Railway Express Hub, whose comprehensive backbone operation platform for international land transportation is the first of its kind in the world.
Upon arrival in Urumqi last night, Mr Yau called on People's Government of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Vice Chairman Sun Hongmei to give her an update on developments in Hong Kong.
He will attend a seminar tomorrow jointly organized by Hong Kong and Xinjiang authorities and aimed at promoting business opportunities for Hong Kong.
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