Lam and her delegation yesterday visited Wuhan Asia General Hospital, founded by Hong Kong businessman Tse Chun-ming, where she appreciated the contributions of medical workers in Wuhan.

"No other country or region, including Hong Kong, could copy our country's anti-pandemic work and accomplish what it has done," Lam said. She added that "Hong Kong is the 'southern gate' of our country. We did not close our border during the two years of anti-epidemic work."

Lam said more than 500,000 travelers have come to Hong Kong from the mainland and none of them were infected with Covid-19, stressing that mainland medical staff's work prevented the virus from spreading to other countries.

Hong Kong enterprises should also invest in the mainland's health sector in the future and not only in property, she said.

The Wuhan Asia General Hospital had treated more than 800 Covid-19 patients, including three Hongkongers who were in critical condition.

Lam also visited a smart vehicle enterprise - China EV100 intelligent network research institute - and tried out a self-driving car developed by the company.

She further attended the first meeting on cooperation between the SAR and Hubei province yesterday afternoon, where she said now is the right time to cooperate as both the province and Hong Kong are back on track from Covid-19.

The two will enhance cooperation in 13 areas, including aviation, biotech and environmental technology, she said. Lam also invited Communist Party Secretary of Hubei Ying Yong to visit the SAR for the 25th anniversary of the handover.