Chief Executive John Lee on Thursday said Hong Kong would continue to expand its international trade network to better contribute to the country's overall development. Speaking at the Hong Kong sub-forum of the Hongqiao International Economic Forum in Shanghai, he noted the event was the first major conference held by the SAR since the unveiling of its first-ever five-year plan in September. The conference, Lee said, allowed experts and industry leaders from both the mainland and Hong Kong to gather and explore how the city could leverage its unique position under "One Country, Two Systems" and integrate into national development. One key focus area is trade, he said. “Hong Kong has become the fifth-largest merchandise trading entity in the world, having signed free-trade agreements with 21 economies and investment agreements with 34 economies," Lee said. "The SAR government will continue to expand its international economic and trade network to play a greater role in the country’s high-standard opening up." The world, Lee pointed out, is experiencing a once-in-a-century transformation, which is happening alongside a global supply chain restructuring and rapid technological advancement. He stressed that Hong Kong must proactively plan for its future and implement a forward-looking strategic plan with a calm and measured approach. Another key focus area, Lee said, is finance. Describing it as Hong Kong’s fundamental and greatest area of strength, he stressed that the SAR must consolidate its role as an international financial centre. He added that Hong Kong would strengthen its position as the world's largest offshore renminbi hub to expand the global use of the currency and actively build a commodity and gold trading ecosystem. Lee also noted that Hong Kong would proactively align with national scientific research and industrial strategies, accelerate its investment in science and technology, and help mainland enterprises expand overseas through its GoGlobal Task Force. Later, Lee toured various booths hosted by Hong Kong enterprises and institutions taking part in the China International Import Expo, which is being held concurrently with the forum. He listened to a briefing by Hong Kong Polytechnic University representatives, and at one booth, tasted traditional sweetheart cakes — also known as wife cakes. A representative told the chief executive that the pastries have been a huge hit at high-speed rail stations on the mainland, adding that they have revamped their packaging to feature Hong Kong elements on the design, such as trams, to appeal to younger generations. Lee also visited a craft beer booth to try a brew infused with the flavour of salty-lemon 7Up — an iconic Hong Kong cha chaan teng drink that mixes 7Up with salted preserved lemon. A representative at the booth told him that Hong Kong enjoys a major advantage in sourcing raw ingredients thanks to being a highly international city. Lee said Hong Kong could host its own beer festival in the future, encouraging the business to keep growing and build itself into a premier local brand for such events. Frederick Ma, chairman of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, said the council led a delegation of more than 70 Hong Kong enterprises at this year's expo, with records set in both the number of participating exhibitors and the amount of exhibition space used. _____________________________ Last updated: 2026-11-05 HKT 17:10 Edited by Tony Sabine