As the "superconnector" between the Chinese mainland and the rest of the world, Hong Kong has long been adept at building bridges and will play a key role under the Belt and Road Initiative, Hong Kong Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying said on Thursday.

Hong Kong can serve as a hub for cooperation, creating opportunities for youth through education and exchanges, expanding cultural ties and laying the solid foundation for mutual understanding along the Belt and Road corridor, Leung said at a roundtable titled "Hong Kong: Unleashing the potential of Belt and Road."

Leung stressed that Hong Kong is a premier fundraising hub and can offer multiple channels of financing. "As the world's largest offshore renminbi center, and the first place outside the mainland to develop a renminbi bond market, Hong Kong is also the place to find liquidity in renminbi," he added.

Pang Yiu-kai, chairman of Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce, echoed Leung's words, saying Hong Kong stands out in the Belt and Road Initiative thanks to its proximity to the countries along the Belt and Road corridor.

Hong Kong is strategically located on the East-West route, within five hours' flying time of half the world's population. More than 100 airlines operate some 1,100 flights every day between Hong Kong and about 180 destinations worldwide.

Equally well-connected, Hong Kong port serves more than 500 destinations worldwide. "Hong Kong can facilitate the flow of goods and people across the Belt and Road," Pang said.

Victor Fung, Fung Group Chairman, said as a superconnector in global supply chain, if Hong Kong can grasp the opportunities brought by the Belt and Road Initiative, the region will enjoy promising prospects.

The roundtable event, held by the China Daily, brings together more than 200 government officials, consul-generals and industry elites from Hong Kong and abroad. Endit

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