Secretary-General of the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations Dr Kao Kim Hourn values Hong Kong's role in linking China with ASEAN and the rest of the world particularly under the Belt and Road Initiative.

Marking the 10th anniversary of the BRI, Kao raised five points for people-centered, high-quality and sustainable growth ahead.

First, connectivity services are vital not only to facilitate the flow of goods and services among partners, but also for broader trade, investment, education, tourism and related exchanges toward greater prosperity for all people in the region.

Second, infrastructure progress will be critical to support ongoing social and economic development.

Third, infrastructure financing remains a major challenge as it means not only funding projects, but also providing means that are affordable, inclusive and environmentally sustainable. He also encourages public and private partnership programs.

Fourth, promoting smart cities and sustainable organizations drives long-term growth and contributes to the greatest social and economic outcomes.

Fifth, "our region is only as strong as our peoples", and young people especially have high prospects for people-to-people cooperation.

Kao said he welcomes Hong Kong's request to join the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). He also noted the high number of collaborative projects in countries across Asia, Africa and Europe at the summit, and discussed ASEAN's moves to become the epicenter of growth.