Financial Secretary Paul Chan has kicked off a visit to New York, using a major diplomatic forum to reinforce Hong Kong's message as a stable and open financial hub under the "one country, two systems" principle.
Upon his arrival on October 14 (New York time), Chan attended the annual Gala Dinner of the National Committee on United States-China Relations (NCUSCR), a key platform for Sino-American dialogue.
He met with the NCUSCR Chair and former US Trade Representative, Ambassador Charlene Barshefsky. During their meeting, the two sides exchanged views on current China-US economic and trade relations, as well as issues relating to trade, investment and financial markets between Hong Kong and the US.
Chan briefed the former trade representative on Hong Kong's latest developments, expressing his pleasure at visiting the US again for face-to-face exchanges with American leaders.
He emphasized the strong and close economic and trade ties between Hong Kong and the US, acknowledging the "significant uncertainties" currently facing the global economy.
Despite these challenges, Chan reiterated that Hong Kong would continue to maintain its status as a free port, uphold the common law system and rule of law, and sustain its simple and low tax jurisdiction.
"Hong Kong continues to welcome US businesses to invest and expand their presence in the city," he stated, highlighting the city's "open, stable and predictable" economic and trade policies.
The Financial Secretary recognized the NCUSCR's active role in promoting Hong Kong-US economic and trade relations. He expressed hope for continued close co-operation to create more opportunities for both business communities.
The gala dinner brought together around 300 political, business and academic leaders from both China and the US. China's Ambassador to the US, Xie Feng, also attended and gave a speech at the event.
Chan will continue his New York visit today (October 15, New York time), meeting with local political and business leaders to share the latest developments and opportunities in Hong Kong.
