Chief executive says city will remain free port despite growing protectionism globally, as he invites businesses to ‘explore vast array of opportunities’

Hong Kong’s leader has sought to deepen ties with the EU in a meeting with the bloc’s representatives, saying the city will remain a free port despite growing protectionism globally.

Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said on Wednesday that he had hosted a lunch attended by Harvey Rouse, head of the Office of the European Union to Hong Kong and Macau, as well as 15 consuls general from the bloc’s member countries.

The gathering served as a platform for direct dialogue and an exchange of views, with a focus on exploring new avenues to enhance economic, trade and development cooperation, Lee said in a social media post.

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