The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, began his visit to Malaysia yesterday (March 27).

     In the morning yesterday, Mr Chan met with representatives of the Fintech Association of Malaysia (FAOM), and was briefed on the latest developments of the industry in Malaysia. Mr Chan explained to FAOM Hong Kong's vibrant development in fintech, and the measures announced in the Budget to speed up the growth and development of the digital economy and Web3. Mr Chan said that the international fintech firms were highly interested in Hong Kong's development, and the measures would provide clear directions for these enterprises to develop in Hong Kong. He warmly welcomed the fintech industry to consider developing business in Hong Kong and exploring opportunities in Hong Kong with those who have set foot in Hong Kong. 

     Mr Chan then attended a luncheon co-organised by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, Jakarta (HKETO Jakarta) and the National Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia, and gave a keynote address. He pointed out that since Hong Kong has fully resumed connection with the Mainland and the international community, speedy recovery is on the road, and it is now the best time to invest in Hong Kong and grasp the opportunity of the recovery momentum. Under "one country, two systems", Hong Kong possesses unique advantages and is the best gateway for entering the Mainland market. Malaysian enterprises are welcome to make use of Hong Kong as a platform to explore business opportunities of the huge market of the Mainland, particularly those of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA). 

     In the afternoon, Mr Chan paid a courtesy call on Chargé d'Affaires ad Interim of the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Malaysia, Mr Tang Rui, and provided updates on the latest situation of Hong Kong. Mr Chan also met with representatives of healthcare and financial enterprises in Malaysia respectively to exchanges views with them on the latest developments of the relevant sectors. He explained the investment environment in Hong Kong and encouraged them to explore business in the city.

     In the evening, Mr Chan attended a dinner co-organised by HKETO Jakarta and the Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia. During his keynote speech, Mr Chan said that Hong Kong and Malaysia enjoyed close links in the economic, trade and cultural areas, and ties between the two places are deepening. Malaysian Chinese businesspeople have been playing an important role in this respect. Mr Chan welcomed Chamber members to make further use of Hong Kong's financial, trade and professional services and actively tap the market of the GBA with a view to scaling bilateral trade and economic co-operation to new heights. 

     Mr Chan will continue his visit at Kuala Lumpur today (March 28) and proceed to Singapore in the evening. 

Ends/Tuesday, March 28, 2023
Issued at HKT 9:00

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