APEC Finance Ministers’ Meeting Concludes in Hong Kong with Key Statements and Practical Outcomes

The 33rd APEC Finance Ministers’ Meeting concluded successfully in Hong Kong yesterday after two days of discussions. Representatives from member economies and international organisations reached a series of practical outcomes and adopted two important statements that will guide deeper financial cooperation across the Asia-Pacific region.

The meeting approved the 2026 APEC Finance Ministers’ Joint Statement and the Policy Statement on Financing Digital Infrastructure in the Asia-Pacific Region. It also produced two professional outcome documents: a report on fiscal policies supporting people’s livelihoods and investing in people to promote sustainable growth, and a collection of innovative inclusive finance practices in the Asia-Pacific. Participants further agreed to continue advancing youth financial talent exchanges and cooperation.

China’s Finance Minister Lan Fo’an, who chaired the meeting, said the gathering successfully completed its agenda and deepened consensus in three areas. First, members agreed to strengthen macroeconomic policy communication and coordination to jointly address external risks and challenges while fully unleashing the potential of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence to boost productivity and inject new momentum into regional growth. Second, the meeting advanced practical cooperation in the finance field through discussions on fiscal policies for livelihoods, digital infrastructure financing, inclusive finance tailored to local conditions, and youth talent exchanges. Third, it reinforced the importance of the APEC finance channel as a platform for regional economic and financial cooperation and encouraged stronger multilateral efforts to build an Asia-Pacific community.

Lan stressed that parties should firmly implement the consensus of the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting, uphold multilateralism and deepen practical finance cooperation to support regional stability and long-term sustainable growth. He also briefed participants on China’s continued economic improvement and reaffirmed the country’s commitment to high-quality development, expanding domestic demand and high-level opening-up.

Financial Secretary Paul Chan highlighted Hong Kong’s experience with the Commercial Data Interchange, which helps small and medium-sized enterprises access financing by facilitating data sharing with banks. He emphasised that consumer protection, data governance and clear accountability must progress alongside innovation. Chan also supported continuing youth financial talent programmes next year, focusing on practical issues such as responsible use of artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure financing and inclusive finance.

Chief Executive John Lee met Lan after the meeting and thanked the Central Government for its trust and strong affirmation of Hong Kong’s status as an international financial centre. He said the finance ministers’ meeting was the final specialised ministerial gathering before the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in Shenzhen in November, and that Hong Kong would continue to serve as a “super connector” and “super value-adder” to promote regional economic cooperation and prosperity.

More than 300 representatives from APEC member economies, observers and international organisations took part in the meeting, which was held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. Side visits allowed participants to experience Hong Kong’s blend of Chinese and Western cultures, including trips to the Hong Kong Museum of Art, the Hong Kong Palace Museum and a harbour cruise.