Visit to Hong Kong by Congolese president shows city’s strategic role in China’s clean-energy transition, observers say
- Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi concludes two-day visit to city after meeting Chief Executive John Lee at Government House
- Hong Kong leader points to city’s role in China’s flagship trade scheme, Belt and Road Initiative
A visit by the president of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) to Hong Kong – the first by a foreign leader in four years – shows the city’s financial and professional services play a strategic role in China’s transition to clean energy, observers have said.
“Under the ‘one country, two systems’ principle, Hong Kong also reaps the unique benefits of enjoying strong national support while maintaining unparalleled connectivity with the world,” Lee said, referring to the framework under which the city is governed.
“The city is well-positioned to serve as a key link for the DRC and other African countries to jointly promote the development of the Belt and Road Initiative.”
Chief Secretary Eric Chan Kwok-ki, Deputy Financial Secretary Michael Wong Wai-lun and Undersecretary for Commerce and Economic Development Bernard Chan Pak-li also attended the meeting.
Lee said the city had maintained cordial trade relations with the DRC, with average annual growth of 12 per cent over the past five years in total merchandise trade. He added that he saw good potential to further enhance business and trade cooperation between the two places.
An insider said the closed-door meeting at Government House was conducted under the “highest level” of security arrangements.