The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Finance Ministers' Meeting (FMM) 2026 commenced today (October 20) for the first time in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR). Representatives from the APEC member economies and international organisations gathered for the two-day meeting to discuss key issues including the global and regional macroeconomic and financial outlook, fiscal policy supporting households, digital infrastructure financing, financial access and opportunity for all, and young financial talent dialogue, with a view to strengthening economic and financial co-operation in the Asia-Pacific region.

     The Minister of Finance, Mr Lan Fo'an, said at the opening ceremony that a new round of technological revolution and industrial transformation is accelerating with breakthroughs, and new development momentum is gathering. As the engine of global economic growth, the Asia-Pacific region bears greater responsibility. All parties should firmly implement the consensus reached at the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting and contribute to regional prosperity. First, strengthen macroeconomic policy dialogue and maintain regional economic and financial stability. Given the current highly uncertain international economic environment, all economies should enhance the soundness of their own macroeconomic policies while strengthening policy communication and co-ordination to prevent negative spillover effects from policy adjustments. Second, accelerate economic transformation and enhance economic resilience. All economies should seize the opportunities of digital and green transformation, promote innovative co-operation in areas such as artificial intelligence, the digital economy, and green and low-carbon development, and cultivate new growth drivers. Third, uphold development as a priority and promote shared prosperity. All economies should deepen practical co-operation in fiscal and financial fields, foster an open regional economic environment, maintain the stability and smooth flow of industrial and supply chains, and advance regional economic integration.

     The agenda of the FMM today covered discussions on the global and regional macroeconomic and financial outlook, fiscal policies supporting households, and digital infrastructure financing. Speaking during the discussion sessions, the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, said that amid geopolitical tensions and uncertainties over trade policies, Asia-Pacific economies should strengthen co-operation to maintain the smooth flow of trade and investment, while guarding against financial risks and nurturing long-term growth drivers. He noted that economies should step up investment in technology, digital infrastructure and talent training, and promote the wider application of artificial intelligence, enabling small and medium-sized enterprises and the public to share in the benefits of technological advances. On infrastructure development, governments should provide a clear, stable and predictable policy environment and make effective use of public resources. They should also work with the business sector and multilateral development banks, leveraging financing tools such as asset securitisation to channel long-term capital into productive infrastructure projects.

     Mr Chan said that Hong Kong would leverage its unique advantages under the "one country, two systems" principle, and make full use of its diverse financing channels and professional services as an international financial centre to serve as a "super connector" and "super value-adder". By connecting capital, technology and projects across the region, Hong Kong would work with other economies to foster more resilient, sustainable and inclusive growth, ensuring that the benefits of development translate into better livelihoods.

     In the morning, the Hong Kong Monetary Authority and the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC) held two thematic seminars on "Fostering a digitalised, inclusive and sustainable supply chain ecosystem through finance" and "Mobilising capital for nature: scaling finance and regional cooperation across APEC" respectively. Delivering welcoming remarks at the seminars, the Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui, said that the seminars have brought together regulators, business leaders and experts from across the Asia-Pacific region to share their practical experience and market insights for meaningful exchanges on ways to unlock new opportunities, strengthen financial resilience, and drive sustainable growth for all. The speakers and attendants of the seminars also held in-depth discussions on the relevant topics.

     To allow delegates to further appreciate Hong Kong's cultural heritage and unique charm as an international metropolis, a diverse range of experiential and cultural activities and visits, incorporating elements of Chinese culture and Hong Kong's distinct character, were arranged for members of delegations from participating economies and international organisations, with an aim of telling good stories of both the country and Hong Kong. Members of some participating delegations boarded a sightseeing bus arranged by the meeting organiser yesterday (October 19) evening, to visit the Xiqu Centre and enjoy cultural performances, experiencing first-hand the essence of Chinese culture and the vitality of Hong Kong society.

     A series of study visits and tours were arranged for delegates today for members of the delegations from participating economies and international organisations, offering them an opportunity to experience Hong Kong's diverse appeal, where natural and urban landscapes converge and tradition blends with modernity. The itineraries included the Peak, the Chinese Culinary Institute and Ocean Park.

     In the evening today, the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, and Mr Lan, jointly officiated at a welcome dinner for representatives of the APEC member economies and international organisations.

     The FMM will continue tomorrow (October 21).

     China is the host of APEC 2026. The FMM, being hosted by the Ministry of Finance and held in Hong Kong under the arrangements and organisation of the HKSAR Government, is a key component among a series of APEC meetings this year. Through the FMM, Hong Kong has demonstrated to participating economies and the international community its comprehensive development across economic, financial, and social sectors, leveraging its distinctive advantages of enjoying strong support of the motherland and being closely connected to the world. The FMM has also deepened co-operation with other APEC members, fully showcasing Hong Kong's role as a "super connector".

Ends/Tuesday, October 20, 2026
Issued at HKT 20:20

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