Following is the speech by the Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui, at listing ceremony of PT Merdeka Gold Resources Tbk (PT Merdeka Gold Resources) today (June 26):

Carlson (Chairman of the Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited, Mr Carlson Tong), Mr Kartono (President Commissioner of PT Merdeka Gold Resources, Mr Santoso Kartono), ladies and gentlemen, distinguished guests,

     Good morning. It is a great pleasure of mine to join you all today to celebrate the listing of PT Merdeka Gold Resources on the HKEX (Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited). I extend my warmest congratulations to the company, its leadership, shareholders, and all those who have worked tirelessly to bring this milestone to fruition.

     This listing marks not only a significant achievement for PT Merdeka Gold Resources as a leading Indonesian gold producer, but also a testament to the growing confidence of international mining enterprises in Hong Kong as a premier capital-raising and trading hub. It is also the company's deep confidence in Hong Kong's strategic plan to build a full-chain ecosystem here and in the Asia time zone. Your decision to list here underscores the strong economic ties between Hong Kong and Indonesia, and more broadly, with our Belt and Road partners.

     Hong Kong is actively building a vibrant international gold trading market. Amid complex geopolitics, our city's security, stability, and robust financial infrastructure position us well as an attractive destination for physical gold storage, trading, settlement, and delivery. Guided by the National 15th Five-Year Plan, we are leveraging "one country, two systems" to deepen co-operation with the Mainland and international markets, thereby contributing to national strategies while enhancing our role in global gold pricing and trading.

     Key initiatives are well underway. We are expanding gold storage capacity in Hong Kong towards over 2 000 tonnes in the coming years. A government-owned central clearing system for gold is on track for trial operations this year, developed in close partnership with the Shanghai Gold Exchange to deliver efficient, reliable services aligned with international standards. We are also broadening investment products, including gold ETFs (exchange-traded funds) and tokenised gold, contemplating tax incentives for gold-related activities, and fostering an industry-led trade association to strengthen global connections.

     These efforts aim to create a comprehensive, liquid, and trusted ecosystem that benefits producers, investors, and market participants in the gold market alike. The listing of PT Merdeka Gold Resources is a welcome and timely addition that enriches our market and exemplifies the opportunities Hong Kong offers to dynamic enterprises from the region.

     We remain fully committed to working with partners like PT Merdeka Gold Resources to realise the full potential of Hong Kong as an international gold trading centre. I wish the company continued success, sustained growth, and fruitful engagement with the Hong Kong and global investment communities.

     Thank you and congratulations.

Ends/Friday, June 26, 2026
Issued at HKT 9:06

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