Chief secretary Eric Chan Kwok-ki said they had a “casual talk,” which was also a “good opportunity” to have a deeper understanding about the city's development.

Shenzhen's party secretary Meng Fanli and governor Qin Weizhong introduced the city's development to the delegation in various aspects, including economics and science technology, which Chan described as “useful”.

President of the Legco Andrew Leung Kwan-yuen said legislators also seized every opportunity to communicate with Shenzhen officials.

“We all notice the rapid development of the city in the past decades, and we should learn from their strengths and do our part for our country, integrate into the GBA, and join force with Shenzhen to develop the [hub] of innovation and technology,” said Leung.

Leung hoped lawmakers would exchange ideas and learn by their hearts in the following days.

Chan and Leung will visit Foshan and Dongguan respectively on Saturday night.