Hong Kong's Financial Secretary Promotes City's Growth at World Economic Forum in Davos

2026-01-22 09:00 Last Updated At：09:08

FS promotes Hong Kong's advantages to global leaders in Switzerland (with photos/video)

The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, continued his visit to Davos, Switzerland, yesterday (January 21, Davos time) to attend activities of the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting. He participated in multiple luncheons and networking sessions, and met with officials and business leaders from various regions to promote Hong Kong's advantages.

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FS promotes Hong Kong's advantages to global leaders in Switzerland (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

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FS promotes Hong Kong's advantages to global leaders in Switzerland (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

At noon, Mr Chan attended the "2026 Davos-Caixin CEO Luncheon" themed "Beyond Old Models: Designing Growth That Works" and delivered a keynote speech. In his speech, Mr Chan introduced the steady progress Hong Kong has made over the past year or two, and shared the city's development vision and strategic positioning in its three key growth engines — finance, trade as well as innovation and technology.

He highlighted that breakthroughs in technologies such as artificial intelligence and blockchain are driving profound industrial transformation and economic growth. All economies must embrace these developments. Under the "one country, two systems", Hong Kong is actively exploring and piloting initiatives in financial and technological innovation. With strong collaboration with neighbouring cities in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area that boast robust innovation and technology industrial chains, Hong Kong holds tremendous development potential and is a worthwhile investment destination.

Mr Chan also pointed out that international trade is undergoing a paradigm shift. Developed countries must be aware that the traditional development model of producing and exporting low-cost goods, previously dominant among developing economies, is evolving. Taking China as an example, the country is advancing high-level, two-way opening-up and driving its economy with a focus on expanding domestic demand. This not only injects momentum into China's high-quality development, but also creates vast market opportunities for quality goods and services from across the globe, fostering shared prosperity.

In the evening, Mr Chan attended a dinner themed "China in Focus" and delivered a speech sharing his views on China's development, international relations, as well as capital market developments in both the Mainland and Hong Kong.

Earlier in the day, Mr Chan also attended a business exchange session of the WEF Annual Meeting, where he interacted with nearly 100 leaders from various sectors and regions. The discussion covered topics such as the outlook for the United States and global economies, strategies to enhance economic resilience, and ways to promote growth.

Meanwhile, Mr Chan also held bilateral meetings with the Deputy Prime Minister of Cambodia, Mr Sun Chanthol, and the Minister of State for Financial Affairs of the United Arab Emirates, Mr Mohamed bin Hadi Al Hussaini. They exchanged views on the global economic and trade landscape and matters of mutual interest, and explored ways to strengthen bilateral economic and trade co-operation. Mr Chan also met with the Chairlady and Founder of medical technology company Yidu Tech, Ms Gong Yingying, yesterday to learn about the development of its AI and digital-powered clinical platform. He encouraged the company to consider expanding its business to Hong Kong.

Mr Chan will continue his visit in Davos today (January 22, Davos time).

HKETO San Francisco Welcomes New Year with Reception for 300 Guests, Highlights Hong Kong's Business Initiatives

HKETO San Francisco hosts New Year Reception in California

The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in San Francisco (HKETO San Francisco) ushered in the New Year with close to 300 guests at the New Year Reception on January 9 (San Francisco time) in San Francisco, California.

Guests attending the event included consuls-general, mayors, supervisors, academia, business and community leaders as well as representatives of cultural institutes in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Speaking at the reception, the Director of HKETO San Francisco, Mr DC Cheung, provided an overview of Hong Kong's latest business environment and highlights of new government initiatives, including the Task Force on Supporting Mainland Enterprises in Going Global and the Economic and Trade Express as well as the development of the Northern Metropolis.

"While the Task Force on Supporting Mainland Enterprises in Going Global aims at providing one-stop customised support services to Mainland enterprises venturing overseas through Hong Kong, the Economic and Trade Express is a new functional platform supporting Hong Kong's small and medium-sized enterprises and start-ups to explore high-potential overseas markets," he said.

"The Northern Metropolis is another new engine for Hong Kong's economic development and holds immense potential. The Government will accelerate its development and formulate preferential policy packages covering land grants, land premiums, financial subsidies and tax incentives to attract high value-added industries and high-potential enterprises to set up businesses in Hong Kong, particularly in the Northern Metropolis," he added.

"Beyond business, Hong Kong also offers unforgettable experiences for visitors, including world-class arts, culture and sports competitions and shows. Hong Kong is a must-visit global city not only for business, but also for fun and new experiences," Mr Cheung said.

The reception concluded on a high note with a recital on sanxian, a traditional Chinese string instrument, by Hong Kong musician and ethno-musicologist Stella Chan.

Hong Kong's Financial Secretary Promotes City's Growth at World Economic Forum in Davos

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