Paul Chan Mo-po, Financial Secretary of HKSAR government, delivers a speech during the Global Financial Leaders' Investment Summit 2023 at Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong on Nov 8, 2023. (CALVIN NG / CHINA DAILY)
Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po said on Sunday he’ll exchange views with political and business leaders from global economies during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation meetings to strengthen mutual understanding and collaboration, and brief them on the new opportunities in finance, as well as innovation and technology, in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
Chan left for the United States on Saturday to attend the APEC Finance Ministers’ Meeting to be held in San Francisco on Nov 12 and 13. He will also take part in the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting and other related events on behalf of Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu from Nov 15 to 17.
Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Algernon Yau Ying-wah will also leave for San Francisco on Tuesday to take part in the APEC Ministerial Meeting and related events
The HKSAR government said on Oct 31 it had received the invitation in accordance with customary practice from the host of the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting. Lee said he would not be able to attend in person due to scheduling problems.
Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Algernon Yau Ying-wah will also leave for San Francisco on Tuesday to take part in the APEC Ministerial Meeting and related events.
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Citing the heightened global geopolitical tensions, sustained high interest rates, and the slow economic recovery of major economies, Chan said that amid the complex and ever-changing landscape, increased dialogue and collaboration among major economies to jointly seek solutions to challenges are crucial for fostering stability and driving development.
He emphasized three main aspects on his agenda during the APEC meetings and his visit to the US. “We plan to introduce Hong Kong’s new opportunities in finance, and innovation and technology to political and business leaders,” he said. The SAR benefits from its unique advantage of “being backed by the motherland and connected to the world” and is poised for a future characterized by dynamic and accelerated development.
Chan said he aims to acquire a more comprehensive understanding of the development strategies of various economies, as well as the evolving dynamics of the global economy.
The financial chief said he plans to increase mutual understanding through bilateral meetings with representatives of various economies, with the aim of building a stronger foundation for future cooperation.
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Chan said he’ll also meet business leaders and industry professionals in the US to showcase Hong Kong’s favorable business environment, especially the city’s strategies in driving the development of the finance, innovation and technology, and other sectors. He plans to introduce business prospects in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and other Chinese mainland cities to inspire business people to explore development opportunities in Hong Kong.
On the just-concluded Global Financial Leaders’ Investment Summit in Hong Kong, Chan stressed the importance of establishing communication platforms to facilitate a better understanding of the city’s emerging advantages and potential as it moves from stability to prosperity.
He said the Hong Kong summit has offered global fund managers a platform to gain a deeper understanding of the Chinese mainland’s economy, thus strengthening their confidence in the future development of both the mainland and Hong Kong.
Hong Kong will also organize several other key events soon to show the city’s unique role as a bridge and platform for international cooperation. The Hong Kong Monetary Authority and the Bank for International Settlements will co-host a high-level conference on Nov 27 and 28. Early next month, the Future Investment Initiative Institute from Saudi Arabia will hold its inaugural PRIORITY Asia Summit in Hong Kong.
