Welcome speech by SFST to financial delegation visiting Northern Metropolis (English only) (with photo)
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Distinguished guests, colleagues, friends, ladies and gentlemen,
Good morning. First of all, a big welcome to you all. It is a good and fruitful occasion where we meet again to discuss the potential of the Northern Metropolis. I know how precious time is and how important time is to all of you. So I will try to minimise my speech in such a way that you have more time to see for yourself what the Northern Metropolis is all about. As all of you can see, Hong Kong's financial sector is not just an observer in terms of the city's growth, but rather we have been an active engine driving its strategic transformation.
As the Chief Executive set out in Hong Kong's First Five-Year Plan which was unveiled just two weeks ago: "Finance is the foundation and the greatest strength of Hong Kong." Today, we are putting this strategy into practice. The Northern Metropolis is, among all, the most important growth engine for Hong Kong's future. It is where technological innovation, high-end professional services, and cross-boundary integration converge. But above all, it is the primary arena where finance meets the real economy.
That's why we are arranging today this half-day visit to offer you first-hand insights into the land, the infrastructure, and the policy support underpinning this mega project. We have three primary objectives today:
First, to achieve "first-mover insight" and bridge the information gap. The Northern Metropolis is moving at an unprecedented speed. By walking the ground together today, we want you to gain first-hand, direct insight into the works progress and timelines, as well as the positioning of these three key zones. You are here to see beyond maps and blueprints—to understand the real-economy landscape before major capital deployments take place, ensuring that your institutions or organisations can position yourselves ahead of the curve.
Second, to drive the "Finance+" strategy and match capital with real economy demand. A financial centre cannot thrive in isolation; its ultimate value lies in serving the real economy. Through our three stops today — the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park at the Loop, the Kwu Tung North New Development Area (NDA), and the Hung Shui Kiu/Ha Tsuen NDA—we want to create a direct match between your capital strength and the distinct financial needs of these new areas.
Last but not least, to co-create market-driven financing models alongside Government policy. This partnership is critical in transforming the Northern Metropolis into a sustainable and globally competitive business hub. By blending public resources with private capital, we can ensure that infrastructure and innovation projects are efficiently financed, while also generating long-term economic returns. Your insights and participation today will help shape these collaborative frameworks. I encourage you to engage actively with the project teams today, identify synergy points for your respective institutions or organisations, and work with us closely in the coming future.
We are here today to forge an active partnership. The Northern Metropolis offers the physical scale and industrial complexity that will allow Hong Kong's financial market to enhance its core functionality, diversify its asset classes, and expand its global competitiveness.
Thank you once again for joining us today. I wish you all an insightful and fruitful journey ahead. Thank you.
Ends/Tuesday, September 29, 2026
Issued at HKT 14:30
Issued at HKT 14:30
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