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Hong Kong’s finance chief attends IMF and World Bank meetings in US, updates different sectors on latest developments in the HKSAR

Asia Pacific

Hong Kong’s finance chief attends IMF and World Bank meetings in US, updates different sectors on latest developments in the HKSAR
Asia Pacific

Asia Pacific

Hong Kong’s finance chief attends IMF and World Bank meetings in US, updates different sectors on latest developments in the HKSAR

2025-10-20 10:50 Last Updated At:11:02

HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire – 20 October 2025 - Paul Chan, Financial Secretary of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), visited the United States last week (October 14-17) to attend Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank Group (WBG). Mr Chan also updated government officials from various countries, as well as key financial and economic figures in New York and Washington, DC, on the latest developments and business environment in Hong Kong.

On Friday (October 17), Mr Chan attended the plenary session of the Annual Meetings of IMF and WBG. He also joined an in-conversation session organised by the Institute of International Finance, where he shared insights on the current state of Hong Kong's economy, its strategy of development as a financial centre, opportunities in innovation and technology—particularly artificial intelligence—the development of digital assets, and the building of a patient capital ecosystem.

HKSAR’s Financial Secretary Paul Chan (right) joins an in-conversation session organised by the Institute of International Finance

HKSAR’s Financial Secretary Paul Chan (right) joins an in-conversation session organised by the Institute of International Finance

Mr Chan highlighted Hong Kong's unique advantages under the "one country, two systems" arrangement, including free flow of capital, a freely convertible currency pegged to the US dollar, a highly internationalised market, and close alignment with international best practices.

Despite rising global economic uncertainties in recent months, Hong Kong has continued to see capital inflows, reflecting international investors' confidence in the city's investment environment and opportunities, Mr Chan said.

Delivering a keynote speech at a business luncheon co-hosted by the US-China Business Council and the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Washington (Washington ETO), he stressed that the "one country, two systems" arrangement is a significant advantage for Hong Kong and that the Chinese government has made it clear that this good system will be upheld in the long run. For example, Hong Kong continues to practise the common law system, and its judiciary exercises judicial power independently. The rule of law in Hong Kong remains highly ranked internationally. In terms of financial innovation, Hong Kong is also prudently exploring areas such as digital assets.

Mr Chan (first left) at a business luncheon at Washington, DC, reaffirms that Hong Kong will continue to welcome American businesses and talent to invest and develop their careers in the city

Mr Chan (first left) at a business luncheon at Washington, DC, reaffirms that Hong Kong will continue to welcome American businesses and talent to invest and develop their careers in the city

On his arrival in Washington, DC (October 16), Mr Chan held meetings with senior officials of the IMF and the WBG.

He informed the IMF team responsible for conducting the Article IV Consultation (a regular economic assessment of members' economies) on Hong Kong, about the city's current economic and fiscal conditions, as well as its development directions.

During a roundtable dinner hosted by the Washington ETO, Mr Chan briefed representatives from major US business chambers, think tanks and consultancy firms etc. on Hong Kong's business environment and latest developments. He also engaged in discussions on the future of Hong Kong–US economic and trade relations.

Before travelling to Washington, DC, Mr Chan attended a luncheon jointly hosted by the National Committee on United States–China Relations (NCUSCR) and the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in New York (October 15).

Despite the recent signs of escalating trade tensions, the Financial Secretary said Hong Kong will firmly uphold its status as a free port and continue to implement free, open and predictable trade policies and practices.

Mr Chan also joined a roundtable discussion with key US funds and asset management representatives, during which he highlighted opportunities in the financial market, including IPOs and follow-on fund raising, fixed income and currency markets, private equity, asset and wealth management, green finance, stablecoins and digital assets.

As a "super connector" and "super value-adder" between the Chinese Mainland and the world, Hong Kong will continue to offer attractive investment opportunities for investors from the US and around the globe, he said.

Mr Chan kicked off his visit (October 14) by joining around 300 guests at the annual Gala Dinner of the NCUSCR. During the event, he met with the NCUSCR Chair and former US Trade Representative, Ambassador Charlene Barshefsky to exchange views on various topics, including current China-US economic and trade relations.

Hashtag: #hongkong #brandhongkong #asiasworldcity #IMF #WorldBank





The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

** The press release content is from Media OutReach Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **

  • No. 1 QSR in Vietnam (Euromonitor): Achieved top ranking despite not having the largest store network
  • 250+ stores across 50+ provinces: Sustained expansion since market entry in 2005
  • Strong local relevance: Growth driven by localized menu, superior taste, and consistent execution
  • ~1.5 million students reached across 676 schools: Deep engagement with youth, supported by 500+ scholarships and a 15,000-attendee anniversary concert
  • Recognized by independent institutions: Named No. 1 most reputable F&B company in Vietnam and Grab Vietnam's 2025 Restaurant Partner of the Year

MANILA, PHILIPPINES - Media OutReach Newswire - 8 May 2026 - Jollibee Vietnam has been named the No. 1 quick-service restaurant brand in Vietnam by Euromonitor International in its Consumer Foodservice 2026 edition study—achieving the top ranking despite not having the largest store network in the market. The recognition underscores the brand's strong consumer relevance and execution in one of the Jollibee Group's key international growth markets.

Loved by locals. Strong consumer demand continues to drive high traffic across Jollibee Vietnam’s growing store network.

Loved by locals. Strong consumer demand continues to drive high traffic across Jollibee Vietnam’s growing store network.

Jollibee Vietnam's success reflects the brand's steady growth over two decades, built through consistent execution and a strong connection with Vietnamese consumers. Since opening its first store in Ho Chi Minh City in 2005, Jollibee Vietnam has expanded to over 250 stores across more than 50 provinces and cities, establishing a broad national presence.

The expansion has been supported by a range of store formats—including mall-based, street-front, and delivery-oriented locations—allowing the brand to serve different consumer occasions across the country.

"Vietnam is a highly dynamic and competitive market, and our progress reflects our focus on understanding local consumers and executing well on the fundamentals," said Ernesto Tanmantiong, Global President and CEO of Jollibee Group. "It also underscores the strength of combining a well-loved brand with deep local understanding and consistent execution, reinforcing our belief that long-term growth in international markets comes from staying relevant to consumers while building strong operating foundations."

Strong local relevance

Jollibee Vietnam's growth has been anchored on a clear understanding of local tastes and behaviors. Core products such as Chickenjoy fried chicken, Chili Chicken, and Jolly spaghetti continue to resonate with consumers, supported by a passion for superior taste and warm, joyful service that encourages repeat visits.

The brand has also maintained strong engagement with younger consumers through school and community-based activations, as well as digital platforms. In 2025, Jollibee Vietnam's high school and university programs reached 676 schools and approximately 1.5 million students, while awarding more than 500 scholarships. Its 20th-anniversary concert, attended by over 15,000 people, further underscores the brand's connection with the youth segment.

"We're grateful to the Vietnamese consumers who continue to choose Jollibee and make us part of their everyday moments," said Dennis Flores, EMEAA Region President. "This recognition belongs equally to our Jollibee Vietnam team, whose care for the customer and commitment to getting the fundamentals right have made this possible. As we move forward, we remain focused on delivering superior-tasting food and a consistently positive customer experience."

Jollibee Vietnam's performance has also been recognized by independent organizations. The brand was named the No. 1 most reputable F&B company in Vietnam by Vietnam Report and was awarded Restaurant Partner/Merchant of the Year 2025 by Grab Vietnam, reflecting its strong brand equity and market execution.

For the Jollibee Group, Vietnam reflects how its brands can grow in international markets through a consistent approach to local adaptation and disciplined execution. And as Jollibee Vietnam continues to grow, the milestone underscores how sustained performance is built over time through relevance, consistency, and trust.

*Euromonitor International Limited; Consumer Foodservice 2026 edition, Foodservice Value sales in RSP, data for 2025. Fast food restaurants as per Limited-Service Restaurants category definition.

Hashtag: #Jollibee #QSR

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About Jollibee Group

Jollibee Foods Corporation (PSE: JFC) (the "Company") is one of the world's fastest-growing restaurant companies, driven by its purpose of spreading joy through superior taste. It manages and operates a portfolio that includes 19 brands (the "Jollibee Group") with over 10,000 stores and cafés across 33 countries.

The Jollibee Group's portfolio includes nine (9) wholly-owned brands (Jollibee, Chowking, Greenwich, Red Ribbon, Mang Inasal, Yonghe King, Hong Zhuang Yuan, Smashburger and Tim Ho Wan), five (5) franchised brands (Burger King, Panda Express, Yoshinoya, Common Man Coffee Roasters, and Tiong Bahru Bakery in the Philippines), and ownership stakes in other key brands like The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf (80%), Compose Coffee (70%), SuperFoods Group that operates Highlands Coffee (60%), and bubble tea brand Milksha (51%). The Company also has membership interests in Tortazo, LLC, along with Chef Rick Bayless, for Tortazo in the U.S. and in Botrista, a leader in beverage technology.

The Jollibee Group's global sustainability agenda, Joy for Tomorrow, underscores its commitment to sustainable business practices across food safety, employee welfare, community support, good governance, and environmental responsibility, among others. These focus areas are aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs).

The Company has been recognized as the Philippines' Most Admired Company by the Asian Wall Street Journal, named one of Asia's Fab 50 Companies, and listed among Forbes' World's Best Employers and Top Female-Friendly Companies. The Company is also a five-time Gallup Exceptional Workplace Award recipient and featured in TIME's World's Best Companies and Fortune's Southeast Asia 500 List.

To learn more about Jollibee Group, visit www.jollibeegroup.com

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