The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:
 
     The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) delegation today (January 30) concluded a three-day visit to Thailand to strengthen bilateral co-operation between the financial sectors of Thailand and Hong Kong.
      
     Led by the Chief Executive of the HKMA, Mr Eddie Yue, the delegation held bilateral meetings with the Bank of Thailand (BOT) on January 29, with focus on the use of local currencies in cross-border trade, financial digitalisation and fintech, as well as green and sustainable finance. The HKMA and the BOT also agreed to explore future initiatives aimed at fostering collaboration between the two regulators and deepening financial connections between the two economies.
      
     Representatives from the HKMA and the BOT participated in a Thailand Business Forum in Bangkok, organised by the Hong Kong Association of Banks. The Forum was attended by close to 130 senior representatives and practitioners from major local and international banks in Thailand and Hong Kong. Three panel discussions were held during the forum on the benefits and business opportunities arising from Hong Kong-Thailand financial collaboration, including how Hong Kong's sophisticated banking industry and deep capital markets could support Thai corporates in local currency payment, fundraising and hedging, as well as investment opportunities for Thai investors in Hong Kong and the Mainland.
      
     During the visit, the HKMA delegation also met with local business and financial industry leaders, to share with them the latest developments in Hong Kong, and explore new opportunities arising from the deepening economic and financial ties between the two jurisdictions.
      
     The Thailand visit is part of the HKMA's effort to broaden and deepen overseas network. Following visits to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates last year, the HKMA will continue the engagement with the Middle East and also visit other Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries this year to continue opening up new markets for Hong Kong to grow as an international financial centre.

Ends/Tuesday, January 30, 2024
Issued at HKT 12:45

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