​The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, continued his activities at the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting in Davos, Switzerland, yesterday (January 21, Davos time).
In the morning, Mr Chan attended a breakfast meeting organised by the Giving to Amplify Earth Action launched by the WEF, where he shared views on how to make effective use of finance to address various crises facing the planet. Using climate change as an example, he pointed out that there is a significant funding gap globally in responding to climate change, and thus countries should work to promote collaboration among the public, private and philanthropic sectors, so as to encourage private investments in green and transition projects. He highlighted that Hong Kong is a leading green finance hub in Asia, gathering financial institutions, professional services and talent with relevant expertise and experience. The thriving ecosystem of family offices, private equity funds as well as wealth and asset management is conducive to effectively connecting wealth with climate transformation projects. Mr Chan said Hong Kong looks forward to strengthening cooperation in this area with various economies.
At noon, Mr Chan attended the "2025 Davos-Caixin CEO Luncheon" and delivered keynote remarks. He briefed participants the latest economic situation and development strategies of Hong Kong, particularly regarding how to leverage the advantages of being well connected to the Mainland China and to the world, under the "one country, two systems" principle. He emphasised Hong Kong's unique advantages of collaborating with sister cities in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, attracting businesses and talent from around the globe to Hong Kong.
During the morning, Mr Chan also met with the Director-General of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), Mr Daren Tang, to exchange views on strengthening cooperation in areas such as intellectual property protection, institutional development and talent training. Mr Chan stated that with the staunch support of the country, Hong Kong is vigorously advancing to become an international innovation and technology centre and a regional intellectual property trading centre. He expressed gratitude for WIPO's support in establishing a Technology and Innovation Support Centre in Hong Kong, noting that the city aims to have it operational this year.
In the afternoon, Mr Chan met with the Minister of State for Foreign Trade of the United Arab Emirates, Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, to discuss enhancing bilateral cooperation in finance and trade, as well as exchanging views on global and regional issues of mutual concern. He also met with the Chief Executive Officer of stablecoin issuer Circle, Mr Jeremy Allaire, to learn about the company's business development strategies in Asia. They also exchanged views on the global development and regulatory policies of digital assets.
In the evening, Mr Chan attended the "2025 Davos-Tencent Finance Vision Dinner", where he delivered a speech. He elaborated on how Hong Kong can play the role of a "super connector" and "super value-adder" in the face of an increasingly complex international environment, thereby finding new opportunities and positioning, while contributing to China's high-level opening-up. In this process, Hong Kong will create value and opportunities for global businesses and investors. He emphasised Hong Kong's new directions in reinforcing and enhancing its position as an international financial and trade centre, including the vigorous efforts to turn Hong Kong into a high value-added supply chain service centre; he also highlighted Hong Kong's progress in becoming an international innovation and technology centre. He noted that Hong Kong can help promote interconnected developments between the country and developed economies as well as emerging markets in the "Global South".
Mr Chan will continue his visit to Davos today (January 22, Davos time).
Follow this news feed: East Asia