HONG KONG - Emeritus Senior Minister (ESM) Goh Chok Tong was hosted to lunch on Tuesday (Sept 26) by Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam at Government House during his three-day visit to the city.
Over lunch, ESM Goh and Mrs Lam reaffirmed the good relations exemplified by the frequent exchange of visits between the leaders of Singapore and Hong Kong, including Mrs Lam's recent visit to Singapore, according to a Ministry of Foreign Affairs press statement. They also exchanged views on future development challenges and opportunities facing Singapore and Hong Kong.
Mr Goh expressed optimism for Hong Kong's future under "One Country, Two Systems".
Mr Goh was in Hong Kong to deliver the keynote speech at the 2017 AECOM-Asia Society Imagine 2060: Delivering Tomorrow's Cities Together series, titled, "The Potential of Hong Kong at the Water's Edge".
During his speech, Mr Goh noted that Singapore and Hong Kong share many similar qualities, while also facing the same long-term existential challenge - to remain relevant, distinct and extraordinary.
"As sibling cities, Hong Kong and Singapore will always compete. But the rivalry to outdo one another is healthy and constructive. It drives each of us to do our best," Mr Goh said.
Mr Goh also suggested three areas in which Singapore and Hong Kong can cooperate in: China's "Belt and Road", where Singapore is undertaking a government-to-government project in Chongqing, and welcomes Hong Kong to join this segment.
The second is "Technology, Innovation and Creative Industry", where Singapore and Hong Kong can learn from one another in helping businesses to adapt to the relentless march of technology.
Third, "Governance and Public Policies", where Singapore and Hong Kong can benefit from close exchanges and will need innovative public policies to deal with new and emerging economic and social challenges.
Earlier in the day, Mr Goh was also hosted to breakfast by Vice Chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and former Chief Executive Tung Chee Hwa.
