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FS attends thematic meetings at World Economic Forum Annual Meeting (with photos/video)
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     The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, concluded his visit to Davos, Switzerland, yesterday (January 23, Davos time). He attended thematic meetings at the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting and met with political, business and financial leaders from around the globe.

     In the morning, Mr Chan participated in a discussion session titled "Stemming Financial Fragmentation" and served as one of the panelist's. The session focused on addressing the risks of financial fragmentation amid rising geopolitical tensions.

     Mr Chan noted that while geopolitics may subject regional and global financial markets to greater volatility, Hong Kong boasts a robust financial system and strong buffer, maintains a free and open business environment, and steadfastly upholds the linked exchange rate system. A recent survey conducted by a foreign chamber of commerce in Hong Kong revealed that international investors and companies remain optimistic about the city's business prospects. He emphasised that Hong Kong's financial markets have undergone remarkable transformation on various fronts, including the stock market and asset and wealth management business which have achieved significant growth since Hong Kong's return to the motherland. Meanwhile, Hong Kong is actively embracing financial innovation, including the development of digital assets, with appropriate regulations in place to promote the responsible and sustainable growth. In response to questions, Mr Chan stated that China's economy is steadily advancing, with solid progress towards high-quality development. The country is also committed to accelerating high-level openness and mutually beneficial cooperation as its national policy.

     Later, Mr Chan participated in a thematic meeting organised by the Giving to Amplify Earth Action launched by the WEF, where he spoke on promoting investment in climate projects. He noted that Hong Kong, as an international financial centre, plays to its strengths as a "super connector" and "super value-adder": on one hand, Hong Kong provides financial support for green and transition projects through its comprehensive financial services; on the other hand, it actively seeks to facilitate cooperation among the public, private and philanthropic sectors. Examples include hosting international conferences such as "Wealth for Good in Hong Kong", which brings together decision-makers from global funds (including family funds) to promote synergies between global wealth and climate projects, thereby fostering impact investments. Through these efforts, Hong Kong seeks to make greater contributions to regional and global sustainable development.

     Mr Chan also continued his meetings with various political and business leaders yesterday. He held bilateral discussions with the Minister of Investment of Saudi Arabia, Mr Khalid Al-Falih, and the Minister of Finance of Egypt, Mr Ahmed Kouchouk, respectively. During these meetings, they exchanged views on international and regional landscapes, and discussed ways to strengthen bilateral investment and trade relations. Mr Chan said that Hong Kong actively seeks to develop trade relations with "Global South" countries, and extended invitations to the Ministers to lead business delegations to Hong Kong to explore mutually beneficial cooperation opportunities.

     In the afternoon, Mr Chan met with the President and the Chief Executive Officer of Franklin Templeton, Ms Jenny Johnson, to discuss the business expansion plans of the international fund group in the region. They also exchanged views on the current global economic and financial market landscapes.

     Mr Chan is scheduled to depart from Switzerland today (January 24, Davos time) and will return to Hong Kong on Saturday morning (January 25, Hong Kong time).
 
Ends/Friday, January 24, 2025
Issued at HKT 9:00
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The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, continued his activities at the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting and met with overseas political, business and financial leaders yesterday (January 23, Davos time) in Davos, Switzerland. Photo shows Mr Chan participating in the session "Stemming Financial Fragmentation" of the WEF Annual Meeting.
The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, continued his activities at the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting and met with overseas political, business and financial leaders yesterday (January 23, Davos time) in Davos, Switzerland. Photo shows Mr Chan (second right) participating in the session "Stemming Financial Fragmentation" of the WEF Annual Meeting.
The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, continued his activities at the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting and met with overseas political, business and financial leaders yesterday (January 23, Davos time) in Davos, Switzerland.  Photo shows Mr Chan (first row, fourth left) participating in a thematic meeting organised by Giving to Amplify Earth Action launched by the WEF, speaking on how to foster more climate-related investments.
The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, continued his activities at the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting and met with overseas political, business and financial leaders yesterday (January 23, Davos time) in Davos, Switzerland. Photo shows Mr Chan (left) meeting with the Minister of Finance of Egypt, Mr Ahmed Kouchouk (right).
The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, continued his activities at the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting and met with overseas political, business and financial leaders yesterday (January 23, Davos time) in Davos, Switzerland. Photo shows Mr Chan (left) meeting with the Minister of Investment of Saudi Arabia, Mr Khalid Al-Falih (right).
The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, continued his activities at the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting and met with overseas political, business and financial leaders yesterday (January 23, Davos time) in Davos, Switzerland. Photo shows Mr Chan (left) meeting with the President and the Chief Executive Officer of Franklin Templeton, Ms Jenny Johnson (right).
The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, continued his activities at the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting and met with overseas political, business and financial leaders yesterday (January 23, Davos time) in Davos, Switzerland. Photo shows Mr Chan (left) receiving an interview from Bloomberg TV.
The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, continued his activities at the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting and met with overseas political, business and financial leaders yesterday (January 23, Davos time) in Davos, Switzerland. Photo shows Mr Chan (right) receiving an interview from Phoenix TV.

Audio / Video

FS attends thematic meetings at World Economic Forum Annual Meeting