Hong Kong-ASEAN FTA could be signed by year end: Carrie Lam

Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam [File photo: Chinanews.com]

Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam has said a free trade agreement is likely to be inked by the end of this year between Hong Kong and ASEAN.

Lam has made the statement while on a visit to Singapore, which is marking the beginning of her first official visit abroad since taking office.

"The political environments in the two regions are very different. When I say there are some things in Singaporean government that are worth learning and taking reference, it doesn't mean we have to move the Singaporean political system to Hong Kong, because Hong Kong also possesses strengths that Singapore doesn't have, which is 'one country, two systems'. We are within 'one country', at the same time we have the advantage of maintaining the Hong Kong system."

The chief executive is set to meet with Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and other Singaporean government officials.

Lam is also set to visit Thailand during the latter part of her trip.