Hong Kong’s leader has urged the banking sector to support financing the city’s creation of a new economic engine in innovation and technology (I&T) while expanding offshore yuan business, a key area for aligning with national strategies.Speaking at a Hong Kong Association of Banks event on Friday, Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu called for closer partnership between the government and banking sector in four areas. They are: expanding offshore renminbi business; encouraging I&T through finance; developing commodity trading; and strengthening financial security and market integrity.“Strategic growth hinges on technological self-reliance and high-quality development. That very much includes the Northern Metropolis,” Lee told the annual Distinguished Speaker Luncheon.The Northern Metropolis would integrate university town areas with I&T and industry, providing an environment for living, working and travelling, he noted.“It will become a breakthrough point for our city’s rapid development,” he said.Lee also pointed to the Northern Metropolis Financial Advisory Task Force, which comprises 23 banks and was set up to support the development through financing.