Following is the speech by the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, at the French Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Hong Kong Gala Dinner this evening (June 5):

Consul General Christile Drulhe (Consul General of France in Hong Kong and Macao, Mrs Christile Drulhe), Rebecca (Honorary President of the French Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Hong Kong, Mrs Rebecca Silli), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
 
     Bonsoir. Good evening, everyone.
      
     Two weeks ago, I was in Paris. I wandered into a bistro, and the owner - upon knowing that I was from Hong Kong - broke into a smile and said, "I heard Hong Kong is a major buyer of French fine wine. Now that you're in Paris, you should have a few more glasses to pair with our delicacies." The place was gloriously noisy, full of laughter and warmth.  

     The vibe here tonight takes me right back to that evening. 

     And perhaps that's no surprise. There is an undeniable air of romance and elegance woven into the fabric of French cuisine, wine and the people. 

     This year marks the 40th anniversary of the French Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Hong Kong. Over these four decades, the ties between our two places have grown ever deeper and stronger - 700 members, 400 enterprises, 10 000 French citizens calling Hong Kong home. These are not merely statistics. They speak to a conscious choice: the choice to put down roots here, to make this city their own, and to build lasting relationships rather than simply conducting transactions. 

     That is a testament to the true depth of what we share. 

     Last year, bilateral merchandise trade between Hong Kong and France reached HK$88 billion - a rise of more than 10 per cent. 

     Wine is very much part of the story: 11 million bottles, accounting for 70 per cent of the total value of our wine imports. French visitors went up by nearly 20 per cent, and that momentum has carried well into the first four months of 2026. 

     Clearly, the affection is mutual. 

     When I was in Paris meeting policymakers, asset managers and financial institutions, one thing came out clearly: Europe is undergoing a profound repositioning, driven by a strong desire to change and diversify. 
      
     We see that ambition at work: in seeking new trading partners and growth opportunities; in channelling savings into technology, innovation, digital transformation and green transition; and in deepening collaboration with China and the broader Asian region. 

     With our strategic location and the unique advantages under the "one country, two systems" framework, Hong Kong is the natural connector and enabler. 

     The National 15th Five-Year Plan places strong emphasis on high-level opening up. As the Chinese market continues to open, it is creating greater room for premium foreign goods and services to take hold. For French enterprises, this represents more than market expansion - it signals a rising sophistication among consumers, an area in which French brands have long excelled.

     And Mainland companies going global are seeking opportunities in Europe. They will bring investments and create jobs. Hong Kong is the platform supporting them with financing, professional services and cultural connections. 

     Going forward, artificial intelligence (AI) is fast reshaping the global economic landscape. Hong Kong has adopted "AI+" as a key economic strategy and launched "AI Training for All" to equip our people with the skills needed for tomorrow. France, too, counts many world-leading names in deep tech and artificial intelligence. 

     We each bring complementary strengths to this partnership - France, with its tradition of bold scientific thinking and deep expertise in AI research; Hong Kong, with its vibrant innovation ecosystem, entrepreneurial energy, and unmatched connectivity across Asian markets. 

     Different in character, but equally formidable. 

     In fact, French start-ups have always been a vital part of Hong Kong's innovation landscape, and our doors remain wide open to them. 

     Because in the end, opportunities shared will allow co-creation of a bigger pie, and turning ideas into real-world impact is never the work of any one party alone. 

     Ladies and gentlemen, this 40th anniversary is not just a milestone - it is a new beginning. The chapters ahead, I believe, will be even more compelling - led by technology, sustainability and finance, enriched by mutual appreciation, and shaped by the participation of each one of you in this room tonight. 
      
     I thank the French Chamber for 40 years of deep engagement with and support to Hong Kong. I wish the Chamber continued success, and French wine and style as excellent as ever. 

     Merci beaucoup. Thank you very much.

Ends/Friday, June 5, 2026
Issued at HKT 20:42

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