The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, arrived in Georgia yesterday (May 2, Tbilisi time) afternoon, for attending the 57th Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) from May 2 to 5.
In the afternoon, Mr Chan first met with the President of the ADB, Mr Masatsugu Asakawa. They exchanged views on various issues including regional green transition, climate finance, infrastructure development, as well as strengthening co-operation between Hong Kong, China and the ADB.
Responding to climate change is one of the themes of this year's Annual Meeting. Mr Chan pointed out that as an international financial centre, Hong Kong is a leader in Asia in green and sustainable finance. The amount of green bonds issued in Hong Kong accounts for over one-third of the entire Asian market's. Meanwhile, Hong Kong continues to enrich its variety of green financial products and actively aligns with international green standards. While meeting the needs of different investors, these also help channel funds to support regional green and transition projects more effectively.
Mr Chan stressed that Hong Kong, China has long maintained a cordial cooperation relationship with the ADB, and is willing to share knowledge and exchange experiences with the ADB and other regional partners, particularly in the areas of finance, infrastructure development, and innovative technology applications. They are warmly welcomed to make use of Hong Kong's deep and wide fundraising platforms and professional services to support the rolling-out and management of different projects.
Mr Chan later attended the Asian Development Fund (ADF) 14 Pledging Meeting. He said that Hong Kong, China has been supporting the replenishments of the ADF for years, with a view to helping developing member countries to engage in sustainable development projects, including responding to climate change, promoting gender equality, meeting their own social development needs, and more. Hong Kong, China will continue to contribute to the development and progress of the region.
Mr Chan will attend the Constituency Meeting at the ADB Annual Meeting today (May 3, Tbilisi time) and meet with the ADB senior management as well as financial officials from other countries and regions.
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