​The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, made his last day of visit to Davos, Switzerland, yesterday (January 19, Davos time) to attend the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting.

     In the morning, Mr Chan participated in a session of the Annual Meeting titled "Next-Generation Industrial Strategies", and spoke as a sharing guest on policies in promoting industrial development. Mr Chan also attended an informal gathering of world economic leaders and participated in discussions on challenges faced by the world and prospects of economic growth. 

     At noon, Mr Chan participated in the Washington Post Foreign Policy Lunch, meeting with political and business leaders, and explained Hong Kong's latest situation and opportunities. 

     In the afternoon, Mr Chan met with the Minister of Investment of Indonesia, Mr Bahlil Lahadalia. They exchanged views on strengthening bilateral investments and trade co-operation. Mr Chan said that Hong Kong and Indonesia are close partners, enjoying close ties on bilateral investment. Hong Kong, as an international financial centre with vibrant stock and bond markets, is the ideal place of secondary listing for Indonesian enterprises, which could tap into funds from both Mainland China's and global investors. Hong Kong can also assist in raising fund to engage in large-scale infrastructure and decarbonisation projects. Mr Chan also congratulated Indonesia for the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) to come into full force, and thanked its support on Hong Kong's application to join the RCEP.

     Mr Chan also met with the Founder and Executive Chairman of WEF, Professor Klaus Schwab; and attended a gathering co-hosted by the Co-chair of the Hong Kong-Europe Business Council, Mr Victor Chu, and the Chairman of Credit Suisse, Mr Axel Lehmann. Mr Chan introduced Hong Kong's latest situation and opportunities of development to participants, including top-notch members of multinational companies, financial institutions, the academia and media organisations.

     In concluding his visit to Davos, Mr Chan said: "At the WEF Annual Meeting, the Hong Kong team had, through engaging delegates from all over the world and leaders from different sectors, actively explained Hong Kong's advantages and core competitiveness, and told the world that Hong Kong is back. Strengthening co-operation in a fragmented world is what countries should strive to do together. Hong Kong, under the "one country, two systems" and with the firm support of our country, will play its role well as a financial, trading and shipping centre. By actively connecting to the world, we will make valuable contributions to global cooperation and development."

     Mr Chan will leave Switzerland today (January 20, Davos time) and arrive in Hong Kong on Saturday (January 21, Hong Kong time). 

Ends/Friday, January 20, 2023
Issued at HKT 9:00

NNNN