HONG KONG – Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu will lead a Hong Kong delegation on a visit to three member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations – Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam – starting Sunday.

The delegation’s goal is to introduce the special administrative region’s strengths and latest developments to political and business communities, with a view to exploring business opportunities and establishing more extensive connections and networks, according to the Chief Executive’s Office.

Lee will visit Laos on Sunday and Monday and depart for Cambodia on the morning of July 30. The next day, he will head to Vietnam.

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Noting that ASEAN is Hong Kong’s second-largest trading partner, the CE said the bilateral trade in goods between Hong Kong and ASEAN reached $144.6 billion last year, accounting for nearly 13 percent of the city’s external merchandise trade, showing substantial economic potential in these emerging markets.

This will be his third visit to ASEAN countries since he took office, demonstrating the importance Hong Kong attaches towards cooperation with ASEAN.

The CE will meet local political and business leaders to introduce Hong Kong’s unique advantages under “one country, two systems”, and promote the opportunities, economic and trade connections as well as the broad business prospects that the SAR can bring to ASEAN.

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He will also visit local enterprises and major infrastructure projects to explore collaboration opportunities.

Members of the HKSAR delegation include Deputy Financial Secretary Michael Wong Wai-lun, Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Algernon Yau Ying-wah, Director of the Chief Executive's Office Carol Yip Man-kuen, Commissioner for Belt and Road Nicholas Ho Lik-chi, Director-General of Investment Promotion Alpha Lau Hai-suen, and Director of Information Services Apollonia Liu Lee Ho-kei.

The delegation also include some 30 high-level representatives from various sectors, including industry and commerce, financial services, transport, logistics, innovation and technology and tourism.

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The CE will return to Hong Kong on Aug 2. During his absence, Chief Secretary for Administration Eric Chan Kwok-ki will serve as the acting chief executive.