Hong Kong is in a unique position to push forward Belt and Road Initiative, Paul Chan says

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Hong Kong’s financial secretary said the city is well-positioned to help advance the initiative because it is a global financial centre

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Financial Secretary Paul Chan on Wednesday. Photo: SCMP/Eugene Lee

Jiaxing Li

Published: 5:15pm, 11 Sep 2024Updated: 5:44pm, 11 Sep 2024

Hong Kong’s financial secretary said the city is well-positioned to help advance the goals of the Belt and Road Initiative because it is a global financial centre and an ideal venue for participating countries to exploit its robust expertise and international connections.

The initiative has delivered real results – benefiting countries across the globe – and has brought people together, Paul Chan said in a speech at the Belt and Road Summit on Wednesday. The city’s professional services and connection opportunities will facilitate greater collaboration and investment for belt and road participants, he added.

“Hong Kong is Asia’s premier fundraising hub. With a diverse equity, bond, and currency market, we provide an ideal environment for more governments and companies to raise funds for infrastructure, green transition, and community projects”, Chan said.

“Hong Kong will continue to leverage our unique position and strength as an international financial, trade, shipping, and professional services centre, striving to offer new opportunities and create value for economies, enterprises, and people along the belt and road region.”

The Belt and Road Summit is jointly organised by the Hong Kong government and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council. With a theme of “Building a Connected, Innovative and Green Belt and Road”, the event brought together top government officials and business leaders from countries and regions along and beyond the economic corridor to exchange insights and explore business opportunities.

The city welcomes companies and projects from every belt and road economy to list on Hong Kong’s US$4 trillion stock market, where they can get access to both mainland and international capital, Chan said.