The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, continued his visit to Paris, France yesterday (September 19, Paris time).

     In the morning, Mr Chan attended the Think Business Think Hong Kong Symposium organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and delivered a speech, with a view to promoting Hong Kong's new opportunities and advantages to the French business community. He said that the "one country, two systems" principle, as well as the implementation of the principle in Hong Kong, would both be upheld in long run by the country. This is the best arrangement for Hong Kong to maintain long-term stability and prosperity after its return to the motherland. With the staunch support of the country, the city enjoys the unique advantages of connecting to the Mainland market, while continuing to uphold the rule of law and the common law system. Together with the free flow of capital, information, goods and talents, Hong Kong is an important two-way gateway connecting the Mainland and the world, and the best springboard for French enterprises to tap into the Asian region.

     Mr Chan said that in addition to such sectors as financial services in which Hong Kong has traditional strengths, the city is seeing prosperous development in new areas including innovation and technology, green tech and green finance, as well as cultural and creative industries. He encouraged French enterprises to make full use of Hong Kong's development opportunities in these new areas and expand into Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and regional markets.

     He then visited a design concept store of Maison et Objet (M&O) in Paris – M&O being the largest design exhibiter in Europe – and met with its senior management. M&O will engage in wide co-operation with Hong Kong's design sector, including setting up a Hong Kong Pavilion at M&O's commemorative events in Paris in January next year which mark its 30th anniversary. Ten Hong Kong local designers will participate in the events and showcase the power of Hong Kong design. M&O is also in discussion with Create Hong Kong to launch joint thematic design activities in Hong Kong by the end of next year.

     In the afternoon, Mr Chan called on the Chinese Ambassador to France, Mr Lu Shaye, and updated him on the latest developments of Hong Kong.

     Mr Chan then attended the Hong Kong-France Business Council Meeting and shared with French business leaders about Hong Kong's economic development, and discussed ways to deepen commercial and trade ties between the two places.

     In the evening, Mr Chan attended the Hong Kong Dinner in Paris and gave a speech. Among the guests attending the dinner were the President of the Ile-de-France region, Mrs Valérie Pécresse, political and business leaders as well as professionals.

     Mr Chan will depart Paris for London today (September 20, Paris time).

Ends/Wednesday, September 20, 2023
Issued at HKT 9:00

NNNN