“No matter which of the four cross-strait regions you come from, the Chinese are playing an increasingly important role in the development of people-to-people diplomacy abroad,” he said on a radio program, referring to the “four cross-strait regions” of mainland China, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau.

“It’s about engaging teams and money from civil society rather than relying solely on government funding for philanthropic ventures.

“I encourage Hong Kong people to set up charities and organize initiatives abroad if they have the commitment and time to do so, regardless of the scale.”

The former executive director said medicine, public health, education and support for children and the elderly were areas residents could focus on.

Leung is chairman of the GX Foundation, a charity he founded with business leaders six years ago. The foundation runs health missions in countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative, China’s plan to expand global trade.

He said the charity had performed 15,000 cataract surgeries in five Asian and African countries in less than two years and also aims to provide water treatment services through nanotechnology in less developed countries.

Leung said Hong Kong’s status as a logistics and aviation hub gave it a unique advantage in developing philanthropic businesses, making it easier to travel and send resources to many countries.

In addition, Hong Kong people are fluent in English and other languages, he said.

Leung also described Hong Kong’s charitable efforts as a leading example in China due to its long tradition of giving.

He pointed out that setting up a charity in Hong Kong is straightforward and avoids complicated procedures often found elsewhere.

Acting Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu expressed hope last September that the city could become a “major international philanthropic center,” as the compassion and generosity of its people had been crucial to its rise as a center of welfare.

Leung spoke as the director of the mainland’s United Front Workers’ Office, Shi Taifeng, was scheduled to make a rare visit to the city for several days on Sunday.

Shi, also deputy director of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office, will attend the opening ceremony of the World Conference of Overseas Chinese to Promote the Peaceful Reunification of China and deliver a keynote speech on Tuesday.

Like Leung, Shi is also vice chairman of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference.