Financial Secretary Paul Chan held a roundtable meeting with The CityUK Leadership Council, an industry-led body representing UK-based financial services, on day two of his visit in London.
Mr Chan elaborated to the participants on Hong Kong’s latest economic and financial situation, and the opportunities and key areas of the city’s financial services development in the short, medium and long term.
Apart from pointing out that Hong Kong is the ideal gateway and platform for the UK’s financial as well as asset and wealth management businesses for opening up the markets in the Mainland and Asia, the finance chief said he hopes to strengthen mutual collaboration between the two places on various fronts.
He also exchanged views with participants on facilitating cross-boundary investment, and spurring the development of fintech, green finance, etc.
The Financial Secretary then attended the Hong Kong Association Luncheon and gave a speech to more than 120 guests from political and business communities in the UK.
He said that China firmly supports the implementation of the “one country, two systems” principle in Hong Kong in the long run and under the principle, the city will maintain its unique status, the common law system, the rule of law and other advantages in the long term.
He noted that looking into the future, Hong Kong is pursuing high-quality development at full speed, led by the dual engines of financial services and innovation and technology, and is determined to become the international green tech and green finance centre.
Additionally, he emphasised that Hong Kong is actively attracting strategic enterprises and talent, and would welcome UK enterprises, businesses as well as professionals to come to Hong Kong and explore its opportunities.
Mr Chan pointed out that to increase development capacity and take forward various plans to spur the development of industries and improve people’s livelihood, Hong Kong is pressing ahead with infrastructure projects including the Northern Metropolis and Kau Yi Chau Artificial Islands.
He added that the UK business sector and enterprises are welcome to explore co-operation opportunities in the city.
As part of his agenda, Mr Chan met Governor of the Bank of England Andrew Bailey. They exchanged views on interest rates, trends of inflation and the development and challenges of the global economy as well as issues of mutual concern such as financial regulation.
The finance chief also called on Chargé d’Affaires of the Chinese Embassy in the UK Minister Yang Xiaoguang and provided him with more details about Hong Kong’s latest situation and future developments.
In addition to exchanging views on the economic prospects in Europe and geopolitics, Mr Chan expressed gratitude to the embassy for its long-standing support to the Hong Kong Economic & Trade Office in London.
In the evening, the Financial Secretary attended a dinner hosted by the China Chamber of Commerce in the UK.
