FS to attend World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Switzerland

     The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, will depart for Davos in Switzerland tomorrow night (January 14) to attend the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting taking place from January 15 to 19.

     The WEF Annual Meeting 2024, themed "Rebuilding Trust", will engage in in-depth discussions around four areas: achieving security and co-operation for the world, creating growth and jobs, artificial intelligence as a driving force for the economy and society, and long-term strategies for combating climate change and achieving carbon neutrality. Leaders of governments, representatives of major international organisations and senior management of enterprises from over 100 countries and regions will attend the Meeting.

     Mr Chan said, "Current geopolitical situation remains tense, with protectionism and decoupling sentiments rising high in individual countries. With an uneven pace of post-epidemic recovery and growth, global economic outlook still faces many uncertainties. At such a time, countries should join hands to promote a more resilient global development, respond to imminent challenges such as climate change, and make development more equitable and inclusive."

     During the WEF Annual Meeting, Mr Chan will attend and speak at several keynote meetings, luncheons and dinners. Mr Chan will also meet with political, business and financial leaders.

     "While attending the WEF Annual Meeting, I and other members of the Hong Kong team will actively tell the good Hong Kong and China stories,  and explain the economic and social development of Hong Kong, striving to clear doubts over Hong Kong. We will in particular explain the successful implementation and long-standing advantages of the 'one country, two systems,' as well as Hong Kong's unique role in connecting the Mainland and the world. We will also introduce our new advantages and measures in promoting the development of industries, and encourage businesses to establish a foothold and invest here," Mr Chan said.

     The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau, will participate in certain parts of the programme. Other members of the Hong Kong team attending the Annual Meeting include the Chairman of the Airport Authority Hong Kong, Mr Jack So; the Chairman of the Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited, Mrs Laura Cha, and the Chief Executive Officer of MTR Corporation Limited, Dr Jacob Kam.

     Mr Chan will leave Davos on January 19 (Davos time) and arrive in Hong Kong on January 20. During his absence, the Deputy Financial Secretary, Mr Michael Wong, will act as the Financial Secretary. The Under Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Dr Bernard Chan, will be the Acting Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development during Mr Yau's absence.