Former Hong Kong leader CY Leung denies conflict of interest over ‘Belt and Road’ company directorship

Former chief executive found to have been director of two companies related to different mainland development plans

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As chief executive, Leung Chun-ying helped promote the ‘Belt and Road’ and ‘Greater Bay Area’ schemes. Photo: Nora Tam

Published: 10:01pm, 12 Sep 2017Updated: 6:49pm, 13 Sep 2017

Former Hong Kong leader Leung Chun-ying was found to have been a director of two companies related to mainland development plans since last month, but denied claims of a conflict of interest, saying the roles were unpaid and the companies were non-profit-making.

The government responded late on Tuesday late night that Leung had informed the authorities on September 11, the same day news portal HK01 broke the story and 11 days after he took up the directorship. The government is processing the case, the spokesperson added.

The companies were related to, and named after, the “Belt and Road” and “Greater Bay Area” schemes.

As chief executive, Leung helped promote both, which one legislator said could have meant Leung was boosting the companies’ future interests whilst city leader.

Leung’s office said on Tuesday night that the companies were non-profit-making and he was not paid for the roles.

“Mr Leung’s roles and activities in the two organisations will be conducted in accordance with government regulations,” its statement read.

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