Hong Kong can play an important people-to-people bonding role in the Belt and Road Initiative, said Leung Chun-ying, vice-chairman of the 13th CPPCC National Committee.
In an interview as the first session of the 14th CPPCC began in Beijing on Saturday, he said Hong Kong, as an open and international society, benefits in terms of global connections, as well as all the systems it practices. "I think we can actually reach out to foster the aims of the Belt and Road Initiative."
He cited GX Foundation Company -- a non-governmental organization founded in the SAR, set up under Hong Kong laws – as an example in promoting people-to-people connectivity, offering international humanitarian medical aid to developing Belt an Road countries. The NGO has signed memoranda of understanding with five countries in Southeast Asia and Africa to provide free cataract blindness elimination surgeries.
"The Belt and Road Initiative is not only concerned with infrastructure and trade activities, but also people-to-people connectivity. Hong Kong is good at both financial services and trade activities. We are also good at promoting people relationships," Leung said.