John Lee, chief executive of China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), hoped his recent visit to three Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) members would further strengthen economic and trade exchanges between Hong Kong and one of the world's most competitive regions.

As for his visit to Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia, Lee said in an exclusive interview with China Media Group that he encouraged ASEAN enterprises to expand their businesses in Hong Kong and further explore the Greater Bay Area market.

Noting ASEAN is Hong Kong's second largest trading partner and the world's fifth largest economy with strong economic growth momentum and unlimited development potential, Lee said he will utilize the recent visit to introduce Hong Kong and explore more business opportunities.

As Hong Kong and ASEAN countries have a good foundation for cooperation and both have their own advantages, the chief executive said the two sides can complement each other.

The trade between Hong Kong and ASEAN reached a record high of HK$ 1,294 billion (around $166 billion), and more than 80 companies headquartered in the ASEAN region were listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.

The mature international financial market, excellent legal system protection and sound business environment in Hong Kong make it an ideal investment and financing place, he said, adding that Hong Kong will develop to be an international innovation and technology center and a center for cultural and arts exchanges between China and the West.

Noting the increasing economic and trade cooperation between China and ASEAN, the chief executive said Hong Kong should seize the opportunity to deepen its economic and trade exchanges with ASEAN, thus consolidating its role as a "window."

"Hong Kong is a bridge between the world and the mainland, allowing ASEAN countries to use Hong Kong to enter the mainland for cooperation in all aspects," he added. 

"Hong Kong has unique advantages under the 'one country, two systems' policy. Hong Kong is highly open, and all systems and rules are in line with the world," Lee emphasized. 

In addition, Lee pointed out that Hong Kong has advantages in new energy, new materials, and life science and technology, and the cooperation with Hong Kong is "unlimited."