The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, continued his visit in Beijing today (April 19).

     In the morning, Mr Chan visited the State Taxation Administration and met with its Commissioner, Mr Wang Jun. Mr Chan briefed Mr Wang on Hong Kong's overall economic situation, and the direction and priorities of Hong Kong in pressing ahead for high-quality development in the new era and in a new stage. Both sides also exchanged views on issues such as strengthening taxation co-operation between the Mainland and Hong Kong, and mutual participation in global tax management.

     Accompanied by the Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, Mr Chan then met with the Minister of Science and Technology, Mr Wang Zhigang, to exchange views on issues such as fostering scientific collaboration between the Mainland and Hong Kong, expediting the development of Hong Kong into an international innovation and technology (I&T) centre and better leveraging the co-ordinated development regarding research and development (R&D) and innovation of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA). They also discussed how to further promote Hong Kong's integration into the national I&T development in a better and quicker way.

     Speaking at the meeting, Mr Chan said that Hong Kong will utilise its strength in financial areas and its unique advantages and functions under "one country, two systems" to support the R&D of I&T, as well as to actively explore a new mindset in formulating policies to facilitate cross-boundary flow of I&T elements, so that Hong Kong can contribute to the high-quality development, high-level self-reliance and greater strength in science and technology of the country. He also mentioned that as a leading global hub for green finance in Asia, Hong Kong has a strong base for green technology research and its application. Adding the R&D advantages of the GBA, the two elements can be combined to interact positively to build a new and comprehensive industry chain, which can help develop Hong Kong into a leading international green technology and green financial centre.

     Professor Sun said at the meeting that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government signed the "Arrangement between the Mainland and Hong Kong on Expediting the Development of Hong Kong into an International Innovation and Technology Centre" with the Ministry of Science and Technology in March 2023, marking that the co-operation between the Mainland and Hong Kong on I&T has turned over a new leaf. The HKSAR Government expects to further co-operate with the Ministry of Science and Technology and relevant authorities to study and gradually implement the plans and details of specific measures under the Arrangement.

     Mr Chan then met with the Chairman of the China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC), Mr Yi Huiman, to exchange views on topics including enhancement of co-ordination and co-operation in financial aspect, promotion of Hong Kong's contribution to the country's development as an international financial centre, and optimisation of mutual market access schemes between the financial markets of the two places. Mr Chan expressed at the meeting his gratitude to the CSRC for their consistent and strong support on the enhancement and development of Hong Kong's financial market. As a top international fundraising platform, Hong Kong will stay committed to attracting enterprises with high quality to get listed in Hong Kong so that the securities market can better serve the national development. During the meeting, Mr Chan also introduced Hong Kong's latest policies and development on green technologies and green finance, as well as Web3.0.

     In the afternoon, Mr Chan and Professor Sun visited the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology and met with its Vice Minister Mr Zhang Yunming to exchange views on issues including digital economy, new industrialisation, development of information industry and Web3.0. Mr Chan pointed out that Hong Kong is actively encouraging industries to upgrade and transform so as to improve the quality and quantity of their products. Hong Kong is also dedicated to pooling top-notch corporations and talent, so that it can take full advantage of "one country, two systems", serve the country's needs and contribute to its high-quality development.

     Mr Chan then visited the Research Center on Xi Jinping's Economic Thought and communicated with the Center's personnel to understand the research priorities and direction of the Center, in the hope to promote in Hong Kong the deliverables of the research and enhance the understanding regarding Xi Jinping's economic thought, so as to better promote high quality development of Hong Kong's economy and contribute to national development. Both parties also exchanged views on related theories and cases.

     Also joining the visit were the Permanent Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury (Financial Services), Ms Salina Yan; the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, Mr Eddie Yue; the Chief Executive Officer of the Securities and Futures Commission, Ms Julia Leung; and the Chief Executive Officer of the Insurance Authority, Mr Clement Cheung, and others.

Ends/Wednesday, April 19, 2023
Issued at HKT 20:46

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