MACAO, June 6 (Xinhua) -- Hong Kong and Macao should take advantage of the "one country, two systems" and participate in Belt and Road construction, said China's former foreign minister Li Zhaoxing on Wednesday.

Li, now honorable president of the Chinese People's Institute of Foreign Affairs, made the remarks on the 2018 International Conference on Belt and Road and Macao's development.

Li said in his speech that China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) and Macao SAR have become important trade partners of the Chinese mainland and bridges of foreign trade thanks to their unique advantages, and have made special contribution to China's economic development.

Meanwhile, China's fast and continuous development brings opportunity for Hong Kong and Macao, he added.

Macao SAR Chief Executive Chui Sai On said in his speech that it is Macao's responsibility to play its part in Belt and Road construction.

With its advantage of "one country, two systems," good location in the Maritime Silk Road, trade history and mixed culture between the East and the West, and a large number of returned overseas Chinese, Macao is confident to open its era in the initiative, he said.

The two-day event gathered scholars, political and business leaders and returned overseas Chinese, discussing Macao's advantages and roles in the Belt and Road Initiative.