Hong Kong's Financial Secretary, Paul Chan Mo-po, visited Brussels, Belgium, on Wednesday (Paris time) to promote Hong Kong's key strengths to European Union (EU) officials and business leaders.
Chan met with EU representatives to discuss economic, financial, trade, and fiscal policies of both Hong Kong and Europe, seeking ways to enhance cooperation. He updated them on Hong Kong's recent economic and financial progress, highlighting that the city remains a free port with the free flow of capital, information, and talent under the "one country, two systems" framework, despite global economic and geopolitical challenges.
He emphasized Hong Kong's commitment to international best practices in business, accounting, and professional services, as well as its stable economic and trade policies and continuous innovation in financial markets. Chan encouraged European businesses and investors to use Hong Kong as a primary platform for fundraising and expansion into mainland China and other Asian markets.
Chan pointed out opportunities for increased collaboration between Hong Kong and Europe in areas like dual-listing arrangements for European companies, development of fixed-income and currency markets, promotion of green finance and financial innovation, and directing private savings towards industry and economic growth.
He also met with Euroclear CEO Valérie Urbain to discuss the global economic outlook and financial market trends. Additionally, he met with a representative from a leading local family, encouraging them to establish their regional headquarters in Hong Kong for managing business and treasury operations in the region.
Furthermore, Chan met with Cai Run, Head of Mission and Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People's Republic of China to the EU, and Fei Shengchao, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the PRC to the Kingdom of Belgium, for detailed discussions on China-Europe relations and Hong Kong's latest developments.
Chan was scheduled to leave Brussels on Thursday (Brussels time) for a visit to Zurich, Switzerland.