The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Washington, DC (HKETO, Washington DC), hosted on September 22 (Washington time) a panel discussion titled "What Hong Kong can offer as an International Financial Centre".

     The event, presented under the Economic and Trade Express platform, was attended by participants comprising United States (US) federal and local government officials, Congressional staff, representatives of US corporations, business consultancies, think tanks, higher education institutions, diplomats, and professionals from various sectors.

     The Director of the HKETO, Washington DC, Ms Elania Luk, in delivering the welcome remarks, highlighted the First Five-Year Plan for Economic and Social Development of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (2026-2030) (Hong Kong's First Five-Year Plan) and Chief Executive's 2026 Policy Address just released in Hong Kong. Ms Luk said that the complementary, interlinked strategic blueprints aim to further consolidate and enhance a range of economic centres, particularly with regard to Hong Kong's positioning as a leading international financial centre. Through Hong Kong's First Five-Year Plan and the Policy Address, Ms Luk said Hong Kong would continue to uphold its reputation as a stable business environment and spur growth by expanding existing financial advantages, including asset management and financing, while encouraging development of innovative financial products and services.

     Ms Luk shared recent news that Hong Kong ranks third globally in the Global Financial Centres Index 40 Report published by Z/Yen from the United Kingdom and the China Development Institute from Shenzhen. She highlighted that Hong Kong also ranked first in the Asia Pacific region, strongly reaffirming Hong Kong's leading position and strengths as an international financial centre. Hong Kong continued to rank first globally in fintech offerings, and in first place worldwide in "financial sector development" of the five areas of competitiveness.

     "The ranking reaffirms Hong Kong's competitiveness and our determination to play the role of a global 'super connector' and 'super value-adder'", Ms Luk said. She noted that Hong Kong strives to create a stable investment environment and meet the growing appetite for diversified asset allocations.

     Ms Luk said that Hong Kong would continue to diversify and expand its financial sector, highlighting developments in asset management, fundraising, and expanding green and sustainable finance offerings.

     Following Ms Luk's remarks, the Head of Business and Talent Attraction/ Investment Promotion at Invest Hong Kong, Ms Yi Xie, moderated the panel discussion featuring Managing Partner of The Asia Group, LLC, Ambassador Kurt Tong; Senior Counselor at The Cohen Group, Ambassador Craig Allen; the Managing Director of QBN Capital, Dr Frank Tong; and the Chief Representative of New York Office of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, Mr Anson Law. The panelists shared objective insights on Hong Kong's business environment, its role as an international financial centre, and the hallmarks of the city's resilience, while offering assessment on how the US business community can leverage the city's comparative advantages.

Ends/Wednesday, September 23, 2026
Issued at HKT 7:40

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