Hong Kong to keep competitive edge through public-private partnerships: Paul Chan
China-US talks are taking pragmatic approach despite tensions, finance chief says at 9th Future Investment Initiative forum in Riyadh
Hong Kong will remain competitive through public-private partnerships and the pursuit of pragmatic solutions amid China-US tensions, Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po has said at a global summit.
The Hong Kong finance chief’s remarks were made on his first day at the 9th Future Investment Initiative (FII) forum in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, against the backdrop of US-China talks to avert escalating a trade war.
Chinese Vice-President Han Zheng, who was one of the speakers at the summit, shook hands with Chan before and after addressing the conference.
US-China engagement has deepened after Beijing’s October 9 announcement of further export restrictions on rare earth elements, a move widely seen as retaliation for the US’ expansion of its trade blacklist.
“I think the talks have been going on from the Chinese side, obviously, taking a very pragmatic attitude to find solutions, to find common ground, despite certain competition in certain areas,” Chan said during a panel discussion.
He highlighted different areas in which China and the US could still collaborate, such as in climate change and developing AI to benefit mankind.