27-7-2023 (KUALA LUMPUR) Hong Kong Chief Executive, Mr. John Lee, led a delegation from the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) and arrived in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on July 27. During his visit, Mr. Lee engaged in meetings with Malaysian Prime Minister, Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim, and held discussions with leaders from local commercial and industrial sectors.
In the morning, Mr. Lee met with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, highlighting the significance of Malaysia as Hong Kong’s ninth-largest trading partner and the third-largest among member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). He mentioned that bilateral trade in goods between the two regions witnessed a commendable year-on-year increase of seven per cent, reaching US$28.1 billion last year. Mr. Lee expressed the HKSAR Government’s commitment to further strengthen cooperation and exchanges with Malaysia in areas such as commerce and trade, investment, innovation and technology, as well as culture and tourism. He also conveyed his appreciation to Malaysia for its support in Hong Kong’s accession to the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).
Moreover, Mr. Lee expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister for the extension of the visa-free entry period for HKSAR passport holders to Malaysia, now allowing up to 90 days of visa-free entry. He highlighted that this arrangement facilitates easier entry for HKSAR passport holders and enhances connections and mutual benefits between the two regions.
During the visit, Mr. Lee also attended a luncheon hosted by Mr. Ouyang Yujing, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China to Malaysia. He thanked Ambassador Ouyang and the Embassy for their thoughtful arrangements and support for Hong Kong’s efforts to join the RCEP.
Later in the evening, Mr. Lee and the delegation participated in a dinner banquet with members of the National Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia. In his address, Mr. Lee emphasized the immense potential for strengthening cooperation between Hong Kong and Malaysia in trade, investment, and other fields. He reaffirmed the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Jakarta’s commitment to collaborate closely with the Chamber and the local business community to foster stronger bilateral relationships.
Mr. Lee’s visit program in Kuala Lumpur will continue on July 28, with scheduled visits to local enterprises and participation in a business luncheon jointly organized by the HKSAR Government and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council. The luncheon will serve as a platform to exchange views with local business leaders and further enhance ties between the two regions.
