London ETO promotes Hong Kong financial services in London (with photos)
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     The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, London (London ETO), promoted Hong Kong's financial services in the United Kingdom (UK) by hosting a reception for the London-Hong Kong Financial Services Forum 2016 on December 6 (London time). The forum is jointly organised by HM Treasury and the Hong Kong Monetary Authority. The reception was attended by the members of the Forum and other guests from public and private sector organisations. The UK's Economic Secretary to the Treasury, Mr Simon Kirby, attended the reception and delivered a speech, celebrating strong and strengthening financial services ties between London and Hong Kong.

     Welcoming guests to the reception, the Director-General of the London ETO, Ms Priscilla To, said "as two of the biggest financial centres in the world, London and Hong Kong have much in common and we should collaborate to capitalise on the huge opportunities ahead." She highlighted new co-operation areas including infrastructure financing and investment under the Belt and Road Initiative and the very recent Shenzhen-Hong Kong Stock Connect.

     On Fintech, she said "Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government is committed to developing Hong Kong as a global Fintech hub. We welcome Fintech startups, financial institutions and professional services firms here in the UK to use Hong Kong as a launch pad for their operations in Asia."

     Ms To also talked about the Hong Kong SAR Government's effort in nurturing human capital for the financial services sector. She pointed out that Hong Kong was listed in the Top 10 in the latest Institute for Management Development World Talent Report. She said, "as a highly open and multi-cultural economy, Hong Kong is doing its best to attract the best people, through the various talent admission schemes that we have introduced to promote Hong Kong as an ideal place for career development, or indeed to start-up businesses."

     Mr Kirby said, "London and Hong Kong's world leading financial services industries play a crucial role in delivering economic benefits at home and boosting growth around the world." He added that "that is why this government has spent the last 6 years strengthening the ties between these two great cities and looks forward to many more years of co-operation."

     Further information about the London-Hong Kong Financial Services Forum 2016 can be found on the following websites:

www.gov.uk/government/publications/london-hong-kong-financial-services-forum-2016-statement

www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201612/07/P2016120700771.htm

Ends/Thursday, December 8, 2016
Issued at HKT 0:39

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