The HKMA will further strengthen its research and monitoring on monetary and financial developments in Asia, particularly the Mainland, and will ensure the views and concerns of Hong Kong are heard in central banking and international financial forums. Participation in regional co-operative and market development initiatives will remain a priority in 2007 to promote financial stability in Asia and strengthen Hong Kong’s status as the leading financial centre in the region.

Having pursued a number of rating upgrades in 2006, the HKMA will refine its focused strategy towards the international CRAs to secure further upgrades of Hong Kong's credit ratings. The key objective is to make sure that the CRAs have a balanced and up-to-date view of Hong Kong.

Hong Kong is likely to play a more prominent role in financial matters on the Mainland, and in positioning itself as China’s international financial centre of global significance as integration of the two economies intensifies. The HKMA, together with the Government, will continue to work with the Mainland authorities in implementing the "1-3-5 blueprint". With the recent agreement to introduce renminbi-denominated financial bonds in Hong Kong, the HKMA will launch a renminbi Real Time Gross Settlement system to facilitate the new business. Monitoring the economic, financial and monetary developments on the Mainland and understanding the implications for Hong Kong will be an important task for the HKMA. The HKMA will continue to strengthen co-operation with Mainland regulators and organise training seminars and courses for the staff of Mainland authorities and other external parties.