Chief Executive John Lee on Thursday said the implementation of Basic Law Article 23 national security legislation next year will boost investor confidence in the SAR.

At the eighth “One Country, Two Systems” and Basic Law Seminar, Lee said global investors are looking for a stable and predictable environment amid complex international dynamics and Hong Kong must be “alert to dangers even in times of calm”.

He said the implementation of the National Security Law had the “immediate effect” of moving Hong Kong from chaos to stability following the 2019 protests, and now the territory is transitioning from stability to prosperity.

"Completing Article 23 legislation... is important to enable global enterprises and talent to have more confidence towards the SAR and come here to invest, run businesses, work, live and study," Lee said.

He also said that Hong Kong's status as a separate customs territory allows it to tap into development opportunities in the mainland and the world, and has enabled the SAR to reach investment deals with 32 economies and join more than 270 international bodies such as the World Trade Organisation and Apec.

“In my Policy Address, I pointed out that we will actively expand the global economic and trade network, promote regional cooperation, and expand the Belt and Road markets while connecting the European and American markets, so as to continuously enhance Hong Kong's status as an international financial, trade and shipping centre. We must continue to maintain a sharp international horizon, and act as a 'bridgehead’,” Lee said.

He added that he will travel to Asean and European countries next year to keep expanding Hong Kong's “circle of friends”.