Hong Kong's leader has highlighted the Hetao park as a crucial element of the Northern Metropolis project that could attract both mainland and international investors.
Lee further noted that the large-scale initiative requires early achievements to draw interest from Chinese and global investors, with the Hetao cooperation zone expected to serve as the first such successful example.
"Talent is always a bottleneck for any development. All countries, all economies, fight for talent. So we need to get talents to come. And Northern Metropolis gives us that opportunity," Lee told the South China Morning Post in an exclusive interview.
"We have to let the talents really feel, and be able to plan for their further development. Northern Metropolis gives them this vision and this opportunity."
Amid intense global competition, Lee stressed that drawing talent is essential for Hong Kong to upgrade its industrial landscape, including fostering high-end and cutting-edge industries as well as advanced manufacturing.