Officials from Ningbo and HK attend the opening ceremony of an event on economy, trade and culture in HK on July 4. [Photo/people.com.cn]

Ningbo in Zhejiang province launched an event on economy, trade and culture matters in Hong Kong (HK) on July 4, aiming to seek closer ties with the special administrative region (SAR).

Nearly 400 officials from both sides witnessed the signing of agreements on 30 cooperation projects between Ningbo and Hong Kong at the opening ceremony. These projects, mainly from the sectors of service and manufacturing, have a total investment of 16.2 billion yuan ($2.44 billion).

The Ningbo government introduced their preferential investment environment, worker recruitment policy and tourist attractions of the city at the ceremony in a bid to attract HK people to visit and invest in the coastal city in East China.

The Chief Executive of HKSAR Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor addressed the opening of the event, stressing the inseparable connections between Ningbo and HK and saying as pivotal cities involved in the Belt and Road Initiative, the two sides are expected to join hands in seizing new opportunities for development.

Zheng Shanjie, Party secretary of Ningbo, said HK's practices in developing advanced industries such as finance, port logistics and trade are of great significance and are things Ningbo can learn from. He suggested the two cities further expand and deepen exchanges and cooperation in all respects in a bid to achieve more win-win results.

At the event, Ningbo are presenting to HK residents the achievements it has made over the past four decades through the showing of promotional films, art exhibitions and photography exhibitions.

The event will last until July 10.