Director of Hong Kong and Macao Work Office of CPC Central Committee and Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of State Council Mr Xia Baolong studies financial and economic development in Hong Kong (with photos)

The Director of the Hong Kong and Macao Work Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, Mr Xia Baolong, today (February 26) continued his inspection visit to Hong Kong.

Accompanied by the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee; the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan; the Deputy Financial Secretary, Mr Michael Wong; and the Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui, Mr Xia reviewed the financial and economic development of Hong Kong. In the morning, he had a session with more than 20 representatives from the financial sector to exchange views on the latest developments of the financial market and consolidating and strengthening Hong Kong's position as an international financial centre.

At noon, Mr Xia had a working lunch with the senior management of the financial regulators of Hong Kong to exchange views on financial development and regulation. Representatives from the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, the Securities and Futures Commission, the Insurance Authority, the Mandatory Provident Fund Schemes Authority, the Accounting and Financial Reporting Council and the Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEX) attended the meeting.

In the afternoon, accompanied by Mr Lee, Mr Chan, and the Acting Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Dr Bernard Chan, Mr Xia had an engagement session with about 40 representatives from local and foreign chambers of commerce.

Mr Xia, in the company of Mr Lee and the Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Miss Alice Mak, then attended an exchange session with representatives from patriotic community groups with an affection for the country and the city.

In the evening, Mr Xia met with representatives from 30 strategic enterprises, which were introduced into Hong Kong by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government over the past year and more, at the HKEX. Views were exchanged on Hong Kong's economy, investment and business prospects, as well as advantages for enterprises to set up and expand their business in Hong Kong. Mr Lee, Mr Chan, Mr Wong, Mr Hui, the Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, and Dr Chan were also present.

Mr Xia will continue his inspection visit to Hong Kong tomorrow (February 27).