External factors risk for Hong Kong ahead in coming year, finance chief warns

Hong Kong will double down on fixing the economy despite facing serious external uncertainties in the year ahead amid continuing geopolitical tensions and high interest rates, the finance chief has said, while also expressing confidence that a slumping property market will not trigger a crisis of confidence.

In an exclusive interview with the Post on Friday, Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po conceded that while there was “not much” the government could do to navigate the risks posed by the external environment, the authorities planned to redouble efforts to attract talent and companies.