The Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Li Jiachao, stated on the 9th that Hong Kong has established long-term economic and trade relations with ASEAN. Hong Kong has long played an important role in the regional economy and has unique advantages under the "one country, two systems" policy, which can add value to ASEAN member countries. During his speech at the "Hong Kong ASEAN Summit 2023" on the same day, Li Jiachao stated that ASEAN has been Hong Kong's second largest commodity trading partner since 2010. Last year, Hong Kong's trade volume with ASEAN reached a historic high of 165 billion US dollars. When he met with ASEAN leaders earlier, all ASEAN countries supported Hong Kong's accession to the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (RCEP). Li Jiachao pointed out that last year, approximately $79 billion in commodity trade between ASEAN and mainland China was conducted through Hong Kong. Hong Kong can provide a friendly business environment, a sound financial regulatory system, and a simple low tax system for businesses, investors, and others, while maintaining a flexible financial system. Li Jiachao said that Hong Kong can contribute to regional cooperation and also leverage its advantages as a professional service hub to help ASEAN countries achieve projects such as urban and infrastructure management, logistics, engineering, legal and trade arbitration. (New News Agency)