Key takeaways of Lee’s speech at a dinner held for Hong Kong and Thai business leaders in Bangkok

· I’m certainly pleased that Thailand is the first destination on my first overseas visit as chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

This critical week is about reconnecting, about revitalizing the economies of APEC in the way we know best — by ensuring that our trade and investments remain open and inclusive. This week is also about accelerating regional economic engagement. That will help us regain momentum in economic recovery.

· This year marks the 25th anniversary of the HKSAR’s establishment.

Under “one country, two systems”, Hong Kong enjoys a low and simple tax regime, free flow of capital, trade and investment, and no tariff barriers, all backed by the rule of law. Hong Kong exercises its judicial powers independently, and we’re the only common law jurisdiction in China.

There’s more, thanks to the nation’s support for our participation in key national strategies, notably the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-25), the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the Belt and Road Initiative.

· Hong Kong is blessed with well-developed logistics and communications infrastructure and extensive, longstanding connections with the Chinese mainland, with the member states of ASEAN, Thailand included, and with the world at large.

In January, when RCEP came into force for most of its member economies, Hong Kong formally requested accession to the RCEP, now the world’s largest free trade agreement.

· Innovation and technology will build Hong Kong’s future. With that in mind, we’re targeting businesses with expertise in life and health technology, artificial intelligence and data science, financial technology, advanced manufacturing and new energy technology. I invite Thai startups and entrepreneurs to join us in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area — the future of innovation and technology.