Hong Kong has ASEAN backing to join RCEP trade pact: John Lee

HO CHI MINH CITY -- Southeast Asian countries support Hong Kong's bid for "early accession" to the Pacific mega-trade deal they lead with China, the city's Chief Executive John Lee said.

Finishing a tour of Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos late on Friday, Lee told reporters that the three countries support Hong Kong's membership in the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, Asia's biggest trade pact that includes 15 nations. He also used the trip which concluded in Ho Chi Minh City to stump for Beijing's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), discuss expanding visas and trade offices in the region, and push new sectors like fintech.