Hong Kong must further enhance its internationalization and continue to strengthen connectivity and collaboration with the mainland, Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po said on Sunday.
Chan, currently on a visit to Beijing, said in his blog that the trip has provided important guidance for Hong Kong to better align with national development strategies, integrate into the country’s overall development, and achieve its own high-quality development.
He noted that China is accelerating high‑quality development and promoting higher‑level two‑way opening up through new productive forces, while adhering to principles of cooperation, mutual benefit, and inclusive growth.
Chan said Hong Kong’s roles as a “super connector” and a “super value‑adder” linking the mainland and the world will become increasingly significant amid complex global political and economic conditions. To capitalize on these strengths, he urged consolidating the city’s unique international functions by deepening ties with the mainland and enhancing cross‑border collaboration.
Chan pointed to recent exchanges — including a seminar co‑hosted by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council and the Hong Kong Chamber of Commerce in China — which explored opportunities arising from the country’s 15th Five‑Year Plan and sought ways to better position Hong Kong within emerging national priorities.
Against a backdrop of heightened geopolitical tensions, volatile energy markets, and uncertain global growth, Chan said more active bilateral and regional cooperation is vital to bolster trade flexibility and strengthen supply‑chain resilience.
Chan will participate in a panel discussion at the China Development Forum 2026 this afternoon to outline how Hong Kong can contribute to the global green transition, highlighting the city’s strengths in green finance and green technology as assets to help address rising concerns about energy resilience.
Chan said Hong Kong is dynamic and entering a strategic opportunity period. With national backing and free‑port status under “One Country, Two Systems,” more investors, capital and talent view Hong Kong as a “safe harbour,” accelerating their convergence there.
He cited data underscoring Hong Kong’s unique appeal and international standing, including total deposits in the banking system, after rising 11.8 percent last year, have continued their upward trend and surpassed HK$19 trillion; average daily stock‑market turnover in the first two months of this year exceeded HK$260 billion (up 17 percent year‑on‑year), with many March trading days topping HK$300 billion.
He added that the number of mainland and overseas companies setting up in Hong Kong rose 11 percent last year, and visitor arrivals in the first two months of this year approached 10 million, an 18 percent year‑on‑year increase.
“Hong Kong must seize this window of opportunity to accelerate its high‑quality development and let the international community better appreciate the city’s unique advantages and potential,” Chan wrote.
He noted a series of upcoming finance and technology events in the city, including the fourth Wealth for Good in Hong Kong Summit aimed at global family office decision-makers and successors.
He said such gatherings will help showcase Hong Kong’s appeal and advance its ambition to become a leading global centre for cross‑border asset and wealth management.
