FS promotes Hong Kong's new advantages to financial and business leaders in the UK (with photos/video)
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     The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, yesterday (September 21, London time) continued his visit programme in London.
 
     In the morning, he had a roundtable meeting with The CityUK Leadership Council, which is an industry-led body representing UK-based financial services. He elaborated to the participants about Hong Kong’s latest economic and financial situation, and the opportunities and key areas of the Hong Kong’s financial services development in the short, medium and long term. Mr Chan pointed out that Hong Kong is the ideal gateway and platform for UK’s financial as well as asset and wealth management businesses for opening up the Mainland’s and Asian markets, and he hoped to strengthen mutual collaboration between the two places on various fronts. Mr Chan also exchanged views with participants on facilitating cross-boundary investment, and spurring the development of fintech, green finance, etc.
 
     He then attended the Hong Kong Association Luncheon and gave a speech to more than 120 guests from the political and business communities in the UK. Mr Chan said that China firmly supports the implementation of the “one country, two systems” principle in Hong Kong in the long run. Under this principle, Hong Kong will maintain its unique status, the common law system, the rule of law, and other advantages in the long term. Looking into the future, Hong Kong is pursuing high-quality development at full speed, led by the dual engines of financial services and innovation and technology, and is determined to become the international green tech and green finance centre. Hong Kong is actively attracting strategic enterprises and talent, and would welcome UK enterprises, businesses as well as professionals to come to Hong Kong and explore opportunities. Meanwhile, to increase development capacity and take forward various plans to spur the development of industries and improve people’s livelihood, Hong Kong is pressing ahead with infrastructure projects including the Northern Metropolis and Kau Yi Chau Artificial Islands. The UK business sector and enterprises are welcomed to explore cooperation opportunities in Hong Kong.
 
     In the afternoon, Mr Chan met with the Governor of the Bank of England, Mr Andrew Bailey. Both exchanged views on interest rates, trends of inflation and the development and challenges of the global economy, as well as issues of mutual concern such as financial regulation. 
 
     He also called on the Chargé d'Affaires of the Chinese Embassy in UK, Minister Yang Xiaoguang, and explained to him Hong Kong’s latest situation and developments in the future. Mr Chan expressed gratitude to the Embassy’s long-standing support to the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in London. Both also exchanged views on the economic prospects in Europe and geopolitics etc.
 
     In the evening, he attended a dinner hosted by the China Chamber of Commerce in the UK.
 
     Today (September 22, London time), Mr Chan will continue his visit to London.

Ends/Friday, September 22, 2023
Issued at HKT 9:00

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