(Radio TV) Chief Executive John Lee on Friday hailed Hong Kong’s ties with the Philippines, and said the SAR’s potential accession to a regional trade pact could further boost Southeast Asian economies.

In a speech at a consular reception marking the Philippines’ Independence Day, he congratulated Manila on joining the Association of Southeast Asian Nations’ Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership last week.

He said Hong Kong had received positive feedback on its own application to joined the RCEP trade deal, which is the world’s largest free-trade agreement.

“Hong Kong’s bid to join the RCEP would certainly add further impetus to the region,” Lee said. “We have submitted our formal accession request last year, and we are much encouraged by the positive responses of quite a number of RCEP members.