*****************************************************
The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:
The Treasury Markets Summit, jointly organised by the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) and the Treasury Markets Association (TMA), was held in Beijing today (December 13).
The Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, Mr Joseph Yam, delivered the opening remarks, and the Deputy Governor of the People's Bank of China, Ms Wu Xiaoling, delivered the keynote speech at the Summit. Other distinguished speakers included senior regulators and financial experts from both the Mainland and Hong Kong.
In his opening address, Mr Yam, who is also the Honorary President of the TMA, said, "I hope the Treasury Markets Summit can enhance understanding and communication between the Mainland and Hong Kong markets during the process of the Mainland's financial reform and liberalisation so as to further strengthen the mutual-assisting, complementary and interactive relationship between the two financial systems. This will also consolidate and strengthen Hong Kong's role as an international financial centre, and allow Hong Kong to better contribute to the advancement of the Mainlandˇ¦s financial reform and liberalisation."
On the event, the speakers examined the opportunities and challenges brought about by the Mainland's financial reform and liberalisation. They discussed how the financial institutions and corporations could optimise their capital structure and improve liquidity and risk management by taking advantage of the mature treasury markets and efficient financial infrastructure. The speakers also exchanged views on strategies for developing wealth management business.
The Summit was supported by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and major financial institutions and corporations active in the treasury markets in Hong Kong. More than 400 Mainland and Hong Kong market participants active in the foreign exchange market, money market, debt securities, derivatives, wealth management, risk management and payment and settlement areas participated in the event.
Ends/Thursday, December 13, 2007
Issued at HKT 17:45
NNNN
