Leung Chun-ying, vice-chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), led a team of CPPCC National Committee members from Hong Kong to Northeast China's Heilongjiang province from May 28 to June 1, during which they learned about efforts in strengthening economic and trade cooperation between the two regions and advancing high-level opening-up.

The team visited the cities of Harbin and Mudanjiang, and gained insight into the development of Heilongjiang's foreign trade, technological innovation, green industries, and modern logistics through onsite visits, briefings and discussions. They also learned about the operations of Hong Kong-funded enterprises in the province.

The team pointed out that the revitalization of Northeast China is crucial to the country's overall development. They acknowledged Heilongjiang's efforts in aligning with the national opening-up strategy, and participating in the Belt and Road cooperation and the construction of the China-Mongolia-Russia Economic Corridor, which has promoted regional cooperation and contributed to high-level China-Russia bilateral relations.

Noting that Heilongjiang is an important trade partner for Hong Kong, and Hong Kong serves as a major window for Heilongjiang's international economic interactions, the team affirmed the immense cooperation potential between the two regions, calling for both sides to leverage their respective strengths, integrate resources conducive to opening up, and work together to expand opening-up.

They also called for the establishment of a comprehensive, multi-level, and regular cooperation mechanism to explore international markets and promote higher-level cross-regional coordinated development.