Hong Kong Financial Secretary Promotes Market Collaboration during Seoul Visit and Highlights Investment Opportunities.

2025-07-09 19:23 Last Updated At：20:38

FS continues visit to Seoul, Korea (with photos/video)

The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, continued his visit to Seoul, Korea, today (July 9). He attended a seminar on the development of capital markets in Hong Kong and Korea, as well as a business luncheon cohosted by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (Tokyo) and the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry. He also held several meetings respectively with the Chairman of the Financial Services Commission of Korea, Mr Kim Byung-hwan, and leaders in the investment sector to exchange views on the landscapes and developments of the financial markets and investment circles, and to promote further collaboration between the two markets.

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FS continues visit to Seoul, Korea Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

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FS continues visit to Seoul, Korea Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

In the morning, Mr Chan attended and delivered a keynote speech at the Hong Kong-Korea Capital Markets Conference, organised by CSOP Asset Management. Conference participants included the Chairman of the Korea Financial Investment Association, Mr Seo Yoo-seok, as well as representatives from local pension funds, insurance companies, brokerage firms and other institutional investors and financial institutions.

In his speech, Mr Chan highlighted that Hong Kong's financial market has shown strong resilience over the past two years, with continued capital inflows, a robust stock market and a significant increase in bank deposits. Amid profound changes in the global political and economic environment, Hong Kong is regarded as a safe harbour for global capital, characterised by transparent, stable and predictable policies, and its efficient connectivity with China and other Asian markets.

He emphasised that China's technological innovation is advancing rapidly, with more leading-edge Mainland technology companies choosing to list in Hong Kong. International investors are sharing in the dividends of China's technology development through Hong Kong's capital market, presenting opportunities for Korean investors as well. At the same time, Hong Kong is actively enhancing mutual market access with the Mainland and strengthening ties with other financial markets. In the space of exchange-traded products, Hong Kong has attracted participants from around the world. He expressed hope for more reciprocal arrangements with Korea to further deepen co-operation in these areas. Mr Chan also shared Hong Kong's strategies and initiatives in developing digital assets, including licensing regimes for digital asset platforms and stablecoins.

At noon, Mr Chan attended the Korea–Hong Kong Business Luncheon, cohosted by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (Tokyo) and the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The event was attended by over 150 leaders from the financial, commercial, trade, innovation and technology, and tourism sectors. Seoul's Deputy Mayor for Economy, Mr Joo Yong-tae, also attended.

At the luncheon, Mr Chan noted that Hong Kong's economy is steadily recovering after the pandemic, with visitor numbers continuing to increase. In the first half of this year alone, Hong Kong welcomed over half a million Korean visitors, a year-on-year growth of 25 per cent. He also highlighted the sustained confidence of international enterprises in Hong Kong, with the number of foreign and Mainland companies reaching a record high in 2024. The number of Korean companies grew by 9 per cent in particular. Hong Kong ranks among the top three in international financial centres and global competitiveness. Since the implementation of the Hong Kong National Security Law, the city has maintained a safe and stable environment, further strengthening international investors' confidence in doing business in Hong Kong.

Mr Chan also mentioned that Hong Kong serves as the international gateway to the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, connecting to a consumer market of about 87 million people. The entire Greater Bay Area is developing into a region with both financial and innovation strengths. For Korean enterprises, Hong Kong's unique advantage of connecting with both the Mainland and the world can create new opportunities in finance, innovation and technology, digital economy, film and entertainment, and more. He welcomed Korean businesses to develop in Hong Kong.

In the afternoon, Mr Chan met with the Chairman of the Financial Services Commission, Mr Kim Byung-hwan, to exchange views on financial development and regulatory issues of mutual interest. He also held discussions with representatives from the Korea Venture Capital Association and the private equity sector to learn about Korea's industry ecosystem and asset allocation strategies, while introducing investment opportunities in Hong Kong across the stock market and the innovation and technology landscape.

Mr Chan will continue his visit to Seoul tomorrow (July 10) and return to Hong Kong in the evening.

No New Chikungunya Cases Reported in Hong Kong as Government Enhances Mosquito Control Measures

Update on chikungunya fever

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health announced that, as of 5pm today (January 11), no new cases of chikungunya fever (CF) had been recorded.

Latest surveillance data

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Hong Kong has recorded a total of 82 confirmed CF cases last year. Among them, 11 were local cases, and the rest were imported cases.

Since the beginning of 2025, and as of December 10, 2025, a total of 502 264 CF cases and 186 CF-related deaths have been reported in over 40 countries/territories. Cases have been reported in the Americas, Africa, Asia, and Europe. Although the northern hemisphere has entered the winter season, temperatures in subtropical and some temperate regions remain elevated due to climate change, creating favourable conditions for mosquito breeding. In addition, CF outbreaks continue to occur in many countries worldwide. The risk of imported cases persists. Members of the public should check the situation of the destinations before travelling abroad, especially when travelling to Southeast Asian countries.

Government's comprehensive follow-up actions

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Given that some local cases of CF have visited the Tsing Yi Nature Trails or the surrounding area in November last year, the trails are currently closed until further notice. Relevant government departments continue to conduct large-scale mosquito control and prevention efforts along the trails, and the CHP appeals to the public not to enter the area in order to reduce the risk of contracting CF and to avoid exposure to chemicals or interfering with the mosquito control operations. Since the confirmation on December 10, 2025, of a case involving a person who had visited the Tsing Yi Nature Trails on November 30, 2025, no further local cases have been recorded to date. The CHP continues to urge individuals who have recently hiked along the Tsing Yi Nature Trails to seek medical attention as soon as possible if they develop relevant symptoms and to call the enquiry hotline (Tel: 2125 2373), which operates from 9am to 6pm.

The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) has been continuously conducting intensive fogging operations to eliminate adult mosquitoes along the Tsing Yi Nature Trails and the surrounding area. At suitable locations, large ultra-low volume foggers have been deployed, and a robot dog is being put on trial to enhance operational effectiveness. The FEHD has also set up new mosquito trapping devices, cleared discarded containers and garbage that could cause stagnant water, and applied larvicide oil or larvicides in areas with stagnant water that cannot be removed immediately. The FEHD has been collaborating with the Kwai Tsing District Office, the Lands Department and the Drainage Services Department to strengthen efforts in eliminating potential mosquito breeding sites along the Tsing Yi Nature Trails. Pamphlets have been distributed to hikers in the area, urging citizens to be vigilant against mosquito infestations and take personal protective measures. The FEHD has also held meetings of the interdepartmental task forces on anti-mosquito work across districts to discuss the latest developments regarding the situation and plan accordingly to co-ordinate relevant departments and stakeholders in strengthening mosquito prevention and control measures in areas under their purview.

Continuously strengthening prevention and control

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The FEHD and relevant departments have comprehensively enhanced the mosquito control operations in Hong Kong since July last year, and this has continued. Among these, the FEHD has conducted vector investigations and targeted mosquito control operations against the imported and local cases. In light of the local case, the FEHD has immediately conducted follow-up actions, including:

carrying out intensive fogging in scrubby areas within a 250-metre radius of the relevant locations to kill adult mosquitoes;

carrying out inspections of the locations, removing stagnant water, applying insecticides and disposing of abandoned water containers every week with a view to preventing mosquito breeding; and

enhancing public education efforts through organising health talks, setting up mobile education stations, and distributing publicity leaflets.

The abovementioned measures will be continued. Furthermore, the Government will further enhance the mosquito control efforts in addition to the existing measures.

Preventive measures to be taken by the public

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Members of the public should use DEET-containing insect repellents or other effective active ingredients properly to prevent mosquito bites, but the following precautions should be taken when using them:

read the label instructions carefully first;

apply right before entering an area with a risk of mosquito bites;

apply on exposed skin and clothing;

use DEET of up to 30 per cent for pregnant women and up to 10 per cent for children (for children who travel to countries or areas where mosquito-borne diseases are endemic or epidemic and where exposure is likely, those aged 2 months or above can use DEET-containing insect repellents with a DEET concentration of up to 30 per cent);

apply sunscreen first, then insect repellent;

reapply only when needed and follow the instructions; and

in addition to DEET, there are other insect repellents available on the market containing different active ingredients, such as IR3535 and picaridin. When using any insect repellent, the public should follow the usage instructions and precautions on the product label.

The FEHD also appeals to members of the public to continue to stay alert and work together to carry out mosquito prevention and control measures early, including inspecting their homes and surroundings to remove potential breeding grounds, changing water in vases and scrubbing their inner surfaces, removing water in saucers under potted plants at least once a week, and properly disposing of containers such as empty cans and lunch boxes. The FEHD also advises members of the public and property management agencies to keep drains free of blockage and level all defective ground surfaces to prevent the accumulation of water. They should also scrub all drains and surface sewers with an alkaline detergent at least once a week to remove any mosquito eggs.

The public should call 1823 in case of mosquito problems, and may visit the following pages for more information: the CF page of theCHPand theTravel Health Service, the latestTravel Health News,tips for using insect repellents, and the CHPFacebook Page,Instagram AccountandYouTube Channel, and also theMosquito Prevention and Control dedicated pageof the FEHD.

Hong Kong Financial Secretary Promotes Market Collaboration during Seoul Visit and Highlights Investment Opportunities.

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