Paul Chan starts visit to Bahrain

Financial Secretary Paul Chan began his visit to Bahrain yesterday, meeting various financial officials there.

Mr Chan met Bahrain's Social Insurance Organization Chairman Mahmood Hashim Al Kooheji to exchange views on retirement protection and relevant government policies.

He then met Governor of the Central Bank of Bahrain Rasheed Mohammed Al Maraj to cover matters concerning the global economy, financial issues and regional development.

After joining a luncheon meeting with Bahrain's Minister of Finance & National Economy Sheikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, the finance chief exchanged views with financial officials on issues of mutual interest and discussed strengthening bilateral economic and trade ties.

At the meetings, Mr Chan elaborated on Hong Kong’s unique status and advantages as a gateway to the Mainland, and welcomed Bahrain's financial services and businesses to make full use of the city to tap the tremendous business opportunities offered by the Mainland, particularly the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area as well as other emerging markets of Asia.

In addition to explaining the latest measures to attract enterprises and talent announced under the Policy Address, Mr Chan encouraged Bahrain’s businesses and skilled individuals to come to Hong Kong for development.

In the evening, he attended a dinner hosted by Honorary Consul of Bahrain in Hong Kong Oscar Chow.