Firms to link SAR to Belt and Road

Chinese enterprises will further contribute to Hong Kong's economic growth under the Belt and Road Initiative and will serve as a bridge connecting the mainland and the special administrative region to promote cooperation.

"Under the 'one country, two systems' principle, Hong Kong has seen a deeper business relationship with the mainland, and its business environment has been improving in the past two decades," said Li Jianhong, chairman of China Merchants Group, a leading State-owned conglomerate based in Hong Kong.

Founded in 1872 as the first commercial corporation in China, China Merchants Group played a significant role in modern China's economic and social development. In recent decades, it also has contributed to the mainland's shipping industry.