FS speaks to UK business sector

Financial Secretary Paul Chan spoke to the UKâs political and business communities to promote Hong Kong as he attended a roundtable meeting and a luncheon in London on the final leg of his visit.

Mr Chan joined a roundtable meeting organised by The CityUK, an industry-led body representing UK-based financial services, for in-depth discussions with over 20 leaders from the British financial community.

In addition to briefing participants on Hong Kongâs economic situation, he highlighted that Hong Kongâs financial markets are undergoing continuous reforms, with good progress achieved in the stock market, asset and wealth management, offshore renminbi business, green finance and fintech.

As the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government is actively working to reinforce Hong Kongâs status as an international financial centre, Mr Chan said he looked forward to strengthening co-operation with the UK financial sector to promote mutual development.

After the meeting, the Financial Secretary attended a luncheon hosted by the Hong Kong Association of the UK and delivered a speech to about 150 guests from the British political and business circles.

Mr Chan said that with the support of the central authorities, Hong Kongâs economy is steadily advancing, giving full commitment to promoting the development of the âeight centresâ, with financial services and innovation and technology as the key dual economic engines.

The finance chief also noted that Hong Kong is developing into an international green tech and green finance centre where the development of technologies as well as green and sustainable financing are fully supported.

Hong Kong is actively aligning with international green standards, including developing green classification frameworks and pressing ahead with sustainability disclosure requirements in financial reporting, he added.

The finance chief also introduced the four main areas of innovation and technology development in Hong Kong, and explained how the Hong Kong Investment Corporation, as âpatient capitalâ, can guide more long-term private market investments into strategic industries.

Mr Chan will arrive back in Hong Kong tomorrow afternoon.