Arriving in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia today, Chief Executive John Lee met Malaysian Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim and spoke to leaders of local commercial and industrial sectors.

During his meeting with the Prime Minister, Mr Lee said the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government will further strengthen co-operation and exchanges with Malaysia in such areas as commerce and trade, investment, innovation and technology as well as culture and tourism. He also thanked Malaysia for supporting Hong Kong’s accession to the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).

Mr Lee also welcomed the Malaysia Government's extension of the visa-free entry period for Hong Kong SAR passport holders to a maximum of 90 days. With greater facilitation offered to Hong Kong SAR passport holders, he anticipates that this arrangement will further boost the connections and mutual benefits between the two places.

The Chief Executive then attended a luncheon hosted by Ambassador Extraordinary & Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China to Malaysia Ouyang Yujing, where he expressed gratitude to Mr Ouyang and the embassy for the thoughtful arrangements for this visit and support to the Hong Kong SAR Government’s efforts to strive for early accession to RCEP.

Mr Lee and the Hong Kong SAR delegation attended a banquet in the evening with members of the National Chamber of Commerce & Industry of Malaysia. Addressing the event, he highlighted the immense potential for strengthening co-operation between Hong Kong and Malaysia, adding that the Hong Kong Economic & Trade Office in Jakarta will continue to work closely with the chamber and the local business community to enhance bilateral relationships.

The Chief Executive will continue his visit in Kuala Lumpur tomorrow.