FS forges closer co-operation between Hong Kong and Ireland (with photos)

     The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, today (May 31, Dublin time) commenced his three-day visit in Dublin to foster closer economic co-operation between Hong Kong and Ireland.

     He began his visit by meeting a group of Irish Fintech companies already operating in Hong Kong or looking to establish offices in Hong Kong. He updated them on the city's latest efforts to support Fintech development and encouraged them to make good use of Hong Kong’s platform in expanding their operations in Hong Kong, the Mainland of China and Asia.  

     He then attended a gathering with Hong Kong people living in Dublin to learn more about their daily lives and work.

     In the afternoon, Mr Chan addressed the "Routes to Growth: Creating Opportunities Between Hong Kong and Ireland as Financial Services & Aviation Hubs" seminar organised by Invest Hong Kong and Enterprise Ireland, and introduced Hong Kong's latest development in Fintech and aircraft leasing business. Also attending the seminar was the Minister of State for Trade, Employment, Business, EU Digital Single Market and Data Protection of Ireland, Mr Pat Breen.
 
     Speaking at the seminar, Mr Chan said that Hong Kong has been serving as the unique gateway connecting international investors and the vast market in the Mainland of China for decades. Hong Kong's ever-deepening economic integration with the Mainland would create more opportunities that are available to no one else, including the Belt and Road Initiative and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Bay Area development.  Hong Kong and Ireland can step up collaboration in the areas of Fintech and aircraft leasing, and work together in capitalising the massive opportunities ahead.
 
     It was followed by a meeting with the Irish Funds Industry Association (IFIA), during which he was briefed on the latest development of funds industry in Ireland. With over 130 companies, 14 000 funds and 16 000 funds industry professionals, IFIA is the representative body for the international investment funds community in Ireland.

     He then met with the Governor of the Central Bank of Ireland, Mr Philip Lane. They exchanged views on global economic outlook and shared experience in maintaining financial stability.

     In the evening, joined by the Minister of State at the Department of Finance and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform of Ireland, Mr Michael D'arcy, Mr Chan attended a cocktail reception and dinner to mark the launch in June of direct flights between Hong Kong and Dublin.  He said the direct flights would further strengthen the close ties between Hong Kong and Ireland on trade, tourism and cultural fronts.

     Tomorrow (June 1, Dublin time), Mr Chan will continue his visit and will meet officials of the Irish Government and representatives of the banking and business sectors.