Following a recent meeting between Chinese and U.S. leaders and ahead of Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to China, Hong Kong's Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po has encouraged the city to capitalize on positive global trends to strengthen its international relationships.
Chan believes that these recent diplomatic activities will bring stability to the volatile geopolitical climate, creating a more favorable environment for Hong Kong to improve its external connections.
In his weekly blog, Chan emphasized that the International Monetary Fund (IMF)'s latest report confirms Hong Kong's position as a leading international financial center and its function as a "super connector". The IMF report acknowledged that various policy initiatives, such as the development of the Northern Metropolis, will help Hong Kong foster innovation and technology (I&T) along with high-value-added services, which will support economic growth and structural transformation.
Chan also noted that credit rating agencies Moody's and Fitch Ratings have recently reaffirmed Hong Kong's credit ratings with a "stable" outlook. He stressed that this assessment reflects Hong Kong's strong economic foundations, positive outlook, robust public finances, and the importance of actively communicating with international organizations. According to Chan, transparency regarding Hong Kong's current state, development path, and opportunities is essential for attracting sustained international investment.
Furthermore, Chan is scheduled to depart on Sunday for an official visit to Europe, including stops in Paris, Brussels, and Zurich. During his European tour, he will engage with leaders from major financial institutions, representatives from private equity and venture capital funds, and heads of family offices.