Vice Premier He Lifeng Highlights Hong Kong's Financial Significance at Global Investment Summit

Vice Premier He Lifeng attends Global Financial Leaders' Investment Summit in Hong Kong

​The Vice Premier of the State Council, Mr He Lifeng, attended and delivered a keynote speech at the Global Financial Leaders' Investment Summit today (November 19). Accompanying Vice Premier He at the Summit were the Acting Chief Executive, Mr Chan Kwok-ki; the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan; and the Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui.

Vice Premier He said that President Xi Jinping and the Central Government care for and attach much importance to the development of Hong Kong. With the strong support of the Central Government, effective leadership of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, and joint efforts from all sectors of Hong Kong society, Hong Kong has achieved new accomplishments in economic and social development, and its financial system remains vibrant.

He emphasised that building, consolidating and developing Hong Kong as an international financial centre is not only necessary for Hong Kong, but also important to the country. The Central Government has always positioned the development of Hong Kong as an international financial centre from a strategic perspective, and will continue to improve the policy system supporting the construction of Hong Kong as an international financial centre. As always, the Central Government will give full support and safeguards to Hong Kong in deepening financial reform and ensuring financial stability.

Having just concluded the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation meetings in Lima, Peru, and is currently en route back to Hong Kong, the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, expressed his gratitude to Vice Premier He for attending and delivering a keynote speech at the Global Financial Leaders' Investment Summit in Hong Kong, which reflected the support and the great importance the country attaches to Hong Kong as an international financial centre.

Noting that the Third Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC Central Committee) adopting the Resolution of the CPC Central Committee on Further Deepening Reform Comprehensively to Advance Chinese Modernization, Mr Lee said that the Resolution calls on Hong Kong to fully harness the institutional strengths of "one country, two systems" while consolidating and enhancing its status as an international financial, shipping and trade centre, and supports Hong Kong in exerting a greater role in the country's opening up to the world. Hong Kong is an international centre ranking third globally and first in investment environment. The Summit, hosted in Hong Kong and entered its third edition, has gathered global financial leaders, underscoring international investors' recognition of both the country and Hong Kong. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government will ride on the Summit to tell the good stories of Hong Kong to global financial leaders and will continue to take forward the reforms in the financial sector, consolidating and enhancing Hong Kong's position as an international financial hub, and leveraging its unique advantages of enjoying strong national support while maintaining unparalleled connectivity with the world.

Vice Premier He concluded his trip and left Hong Kong at noon today.

Vice Premier He Lifeng attends Global Financial Leaders' Investment Summit in Hong Kong Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Notice on appointments to advisory and statutory bodies

A Government spokesman said today (January 12) that Mr Chan Kin-por recently sought approval from the Chief Executive to suspend his three public positions as appointed by the Chief Executive, until the completion of the work of the Independent Committee in relation to the fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po (Independent Committee). Mr Chan made this request to allow himself more time to dedicate to the work of the Independent Committee. After due consideration, the Chief Executive has agreed to and approved this request. The three public positions are: (1) Chairman of Independent Commission Against Corruption Advisory Committee on Corruption; (2) Non-executive Director of Urban Renewal Authority Board; and (3) Member of Honours and Non-official Justices of the Peace Selection Committee.

On December 12, 2025, the Government established the Independent Committee to examine the causes of the incident and related issues, ascertain the facts, and make recommendations on preventing similar tragedies and on improvement measures. The Independent Committee is chaired by Mr Justice David Lok, with Mr Chan Kin-por and Dr Rex Auyeung Pak-kuen serving as members. The Independent Committee held its first meeting on December 19 last year and aims to complete its work within nine months of commencing operations.

Mr Chan Kin-por wrote earlier to the Chief Executive, expressing his wish to suspend the aforementioned three public positions until the Independent Committee completes its work, in order to dedicate more time and focus to the Independent Committee's tasks. The Chief Executive has agreed to and approved the request.

A Government spokesperson said that since the fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, both the Government and the wider community have been highly concerned about the causes of the incident and the follow-up work. The scope of the Independent Committee's work is extensive, particularly concerning systemic issues related to bid-rigging and connected interests. Given the numerous issues involved and their complex nature, the Government will fully co-operate with the Independent Committee to ensure that it can complete its work and compile its report within nine months. The Government extends its gratitude to Mr Chan for accepting the appointment as a member of the Independent Committee and for his professional and conscientious approach to the Committee's work. When the Independent Committee's work is completed, the Government looks forward to Mr Chan's continuous contribution through his aforementioned public positions.

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