AFF to spotlight Hong Kong's gold market development next week

With over 140 financial officials, business leaders, and financial experts in attendance, the 19th Asian Financial Forum will be held on January 26 and 27, highlighted by Hong Kong's gold market development, said Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury Christopher Hui Ching-yu.

Hui noted that Hong Kong's planned central clearing system for over-the-counter gold trading is backed by the government, while the majority of overseas gold markets operate on a market-led basis.

Amid global uncertainties, state credibility showed significance, especially for safeguarding precious assets like gold, he added.

The forum will feature a discussion session on gold exchange, inviting overseas experts including James Emmett, chief executive of Swiss precious metals giant MKS PAMP SA, and David Tait, CEO of World Gold Council, to interpret the latest developments in international gold trading and explore strategies to reinforce Hong Kong's role as a global gold trading hub.

With over 52,000 Chinese companies having extended their footprint outside of the Chinese Mainland, Hong Kong thrives as China's gateway to the world - supporting mainland firms going global, fueling innovation-driven growth and offering families unparalleled wealth management expertise, said Maggie Ng, chairperson of the AFF Steering Committee, CEO and head of Retail Banking & Wealth, HSBC Hong Kong.

Jack Chan Hoi, EY China chairman and Greater China regional managing partner, noted that Chinese firms are moving into "Going Global 3.0," upgrading from a scale-driven model to a quality-focused strategy.

Regarding the Deal-making session, Patrick Lau Hui-ping, Deputy Executive Director of HKTDC said it has provided support for about 8,000 companies and arranged 10,000 one-to-one meetings to explore investment potentials and industry opportunities.

The forum also welcomes financial officials including Klemen Boštjančič, Slovenia Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Mehmet Şimşek, Türkiye Minister of Treasury and Finance, and Rhee Chang-yong, Governor of the Bank of Korea.

The senior management of Tencent (0070), Alibaba (9988), and JD.com (9618) will present at the event.

Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu will deliver an opening remark in the first day, and Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po will also give an opening address at the inaugural Global Business Summit in the second day.