Speech by FS at Global Financial Leaders' Investment Summit Welcome Dinner (English only) (with photo)
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Deputy Commissioner Mr Hua You (Deputy Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region), Eddie (Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, Mr Eddie Yue), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
Good evening. It is a pleasure to join you tonight at the welcome dinner for this year's Global Financial Leaders' Investment Summit.
I hope you've brought your appetite. Tonight's carefully curated menu features a fusion of culinary cultures - a hallmark of Hong Kong's unique ability to blend the best of East and West.
Of course, the essence of this evening lies in your presence, in the international diversity you represent, and in the breadth of insight and experience you bring to the Main Summit, tomorrow morning.
This year's theme, "Trekking through Shifting Terrain", aptly captures the moment we're in. From trade to finance, from geopolitics to the global economy, we are navigating uncertain, often volatile terrain.
But before we dive into tomorrow's full schedule, allow me to say a few words about the city that hosts you tonight: Hong Kong.
For our financial services sector, it has been a rewarding year. By firmly adhering to the "one country, two systems" framework, Hong Kong is shining as a preferred destination for global investors, and as a two-way platform for Mainland businesses going global and international businesses tapping into the Chinese and broader Asian markets.
Our stock market has risen by some 30 per cent, on top of the 18 per cent increase last year. IPO (initial public offering) activity is leading the world so far, with a very strong pipeline. The asset and wealth management business is flourishing, as evidenced by the expansion of several global financial institutions in the city. In the bond market - such as green and sustainable bonds - Hong Kong stands as a regional leader in Asia.
And from tokenised assets to stablecoins, Hong Kong's fintech sector is also making its mark - setting global standards and pioneering innovations that define the financial landscape of tomorrow.
But Hong Kong is more than just a financial centre. We are building a new engine of growth powered by innovation and technology. We know for a fact that they are central to any economy's long-term competitiveness. They are central to a more diverse economic structure and thus the resilience of our economy, and instrumental to our commitment to inclusive growth. It is also important in the context of our role in the national development strategy of developing the GBA (Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area) as an I&T (innovation and technology) hub.
We focus on four strategic sectors: AI, biotech, fintech as well as new energy and new materials.
The carrier of this vision is the Northern Metropolis.
Occupying one-third of Hong Kong's landmass and adjacent to Shenzhen, the Northern Metropolis will become the innovation and technology hub of Hong Kong.
As outlined in the Policy Address by the Chief Executive this year, we are accelerating development in this new land of opportunity. Two strategic initiatives characterise our approach.
First, policy innovation. We are dismantling barriers and embracing bold and flexible development models - such as large-scale land disposals - to fast-track our land and infrastructure development with industry development. We are also proactively attracting top-notch global and Mainland enterprises to Hong Kong by offering tailor-made incentive packages.
Second, cross-boundary collaboration with cities in the Greater Bay Area. As you may know, Hong Kong, Shenzhen and Guangzhou together form the world's top innovation cluster according to the WIPO (World Intellectual Property Organization).
In particular, our partnership with Shenzhen is deepening with greater impact. For example, in the Shenzhen-Hong Kong Co-operation Zone along the Shenzhen River, infrastructure investments are ramping up. This zone will be a test bed for policy breakthroughs. That includes seamless cross-boundary flow of people, capital, goods, data and even biosamples. For example, the clinical trial institutions from both the Mainland and Hong Kong now established in the Zone will accelerate clinical trials, streamline regulatory approvals, and shorten the time to market for drugs and medical devices developed there. This is particularly attractive for global AI and biotech firms that rely on access to both Mainland and international data.
We see tremendous potential for Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area to combine the best of both Silicon Valley and the New York Bay Area - where deep-tech innovation meets global financial and commercial connectivity.
Ladies and gentlemen - whether you manage funds or sovereign wealth, scale unicorns, or steward generational legacies - I would say Hong Kong is a land of opportunities.
Base your regional headquarters here. Meet your clients here. And grow with us here.
My thanks to Eddie and the Hong Kong Monetary Authority for orchestrating this landmark event, and to all our supporting organisations.
Above all, my gratitude to each and every one of you for making this Summit one of the world's must-go gatherings of financial leaders.
I wish you all flourishing business, enduring partnerships and a memorable stay here in Hong Kong.
Thank you and bon appetit.
Ends/Monday, November 3, 2025
Issued at HKT 19:57
Issued at HKT 19:57
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