Hong Kong leader updates Xi Jinping on city’s progress at Apec summit in Peru

Hong Kong’s leader took the opportunity to update Chinese President Xi Jinping on the city’s economy and development as they met several times during the Apec summit in Peru, with Xi offering his encouragement, the chief executive has said.

Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu also said on Saturday (local time) that Xi used the event in Lima to discuss China’s agricultural development, Peru’s culture and agricultural resources, and highlight the potential of the Beijing-funded Chancay Port in the South American country.

“President Xi has always been caring about Hong Kong. I have reported to him [Hong Kong’s] situation regarding [the] economy and development. He is well-versed [in] our development and has given me encouragement,” he said.

“We also talked about the role and contribution of the construction and the operation of the port of Chancay in Peru because it is a new development that will facilitate trade in goods, logistics and also the shipping industry. It will also help [the] supply chain.”

The port is one of the Belt and Road Initiative’s signature projects in Latin America. The initiative, endorsed by Xi in late 2013, aims to improve trade and economic integration spanning economies around the world.

Lee said he was “very much impressed and inspired” by his discussions with Xi and expressed gratitude for his continuous care and guidance.

Lee met Xi on at least four occasions during the Hong Kong leader’s stay in Lima, where the city leader oversaw the signing of a free-trade deal with Peru and attended the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) summit. The pair entered the conference venue in the Lima Convention Centre together to attend the Apec Economic Leaders’ Retreat with representatives from other economies.