The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, will depart for Davos in Switzerland tomorrow night (January 14) to attend the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting from January 16 to 20.

     The theme of the WEF Annual Meeting this year is "Cooperation in a Fragmented World". Mr Chan said that many uncertainties still prevail for the global economic outlook, including geopolitical tensions, disruptions to global supply chain, tight supply of energy and food, elevated global inflation and interest rate hikes. They will weigh on the world's economic recovery. Some emerging economies may see challenges in capital flow and financial stability.

     "Faced with complicated situations and challenges, countries in the world should work together to promote more sustainable, resilient and inclusive global development, and to build a human community with a shared future," Mr Chan said.        

     During his attendance at the WEF Annual Meeting, Mr Chan will speak at a number of events and meet with political, business and financial leaders joining the Annual Meeting, seeking to update them on the latest situation of Hong Kong's return to normalcy and its development opportunities; promote Hong Kong's strengths and core competitive advantages; and strengthen bilateral trade, investment and exchanges.

     Mr Chan said, "Hong Kong is speedily resuming normal travel and exchanges with the Mainland as well as other parts of the world. This will provide a stronger momentum of recovery to the local economy. We will better act as the unique bridge between the Mainland and the world, seize the opportunities of development, and make positive contributions to global economic development."

     Members of the Hong Kong team attending the Annual Meeting also include the Chairman of the Airport Authority Hong Kong, Mr Jack So; the Chairman of the Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited, Mrs Laura Cha, and its Chief Executive Officer, Mr Nicolas Aguzin; and the Chief Executive Officer of MTR Corporation Limited, Dr Jacob Kam.

     Mr Chan will return to Hong Kong in the morning on January 21. During his absence, the Deputy Financial Secretary, Mr Michael Wong, will act as Financial Secretary.

Ends/Friday, January 13, 2023
Issued at HKT 16:15

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