21 agreements signed during BRI summit: minister
Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Algernon Yau on Saturday said the Belt and Road Summit held in Hong Kong this week has been a success, as 21 cooperation agreements were signed during the two-day event. Speaking on a radio programme, Yau said specific areas were discussed during the summit, including opportunities in the Middle East and Asean countries where the Chief Executive visited earlier this year. He said many corporations in the SAR have implemented plans in the two areas, including aspects like hydrogen vehicles, environmental protection and logistics. The minister said 21 cooperation agreements were signed during the summit and Hong Kong is continuing its role as a super connector between the mainland and Belt and Road countries Meanwhile, Yau said the drop in Hong Kong's exports and imports was a global economic issue, and the city has to wait until next year for the situation to improve. "Hong Kong's economy relies on three aspects - exports, consumption and tourism," he said. "That's why we launched the 'Night Vibes Hong Kong' campaign, hoping to revive the night economy, as well as boost consumption and tourism to maintain Hong Kong's economic development." But he believes firms will grasp the SAR's business opportunities, as there are about 270 firms coming to the city this year, 30 percent more than last year.