Hong Kong will respond to uncertainty brought by intensifying geopolitical tensions “with openness rather than isolation”, Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu has pledged at an annual forum in Hainan, calling on economies to join hands to promote free trade. Speaking at the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference – regarded as a platform for high-level government dialogue – Lee said China had been committed to multilateral trade in a “turbulent world”, urging economies to unite in the face of intensifying geopolitical tensions and protectionism.“We are not fighting alone. Regional economies are joining hands to ensure we continue to be a driver of global growth and a pillar of stability,” Lee told attendees at the Global Free Trade Port Development Forum on Tuesday.“Hong Kong is committed to responding to uncertainty with openness rather than isolation. I believe Hainan and Hong Kong’s free ports will complement each other and jointly build a powerful engine for free trade.“Hong Kong and Hainan, together with friends from the mainland and around the world, will benefit from a more complete free‑trade framework, thereby building a community with a shared future for mankind and creating a prosperous future together.”Chief Executive John Lee stressed that Hong Kong remained steadfastly committed to free trade and multilateralism and would continue to expand its global trade network. Photo: Facebook/John KC LeeHe congratulated the Hainan Free Trade Port on the smooth implementation of island-wide special customs operations and the swift roll-out of a number of business-friendly policies.