John Lee Strengthens Global Ties at Asian Financial Forum with AIIB and Middle Eastern Officials

CE meets AFF speakers

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, today (January 27) and yesterday (January 26) met with the visiting President of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) and senior officials of foreign governments. Mr Lee expressed his gratitude to them for serving as speakers at the 19th Asian Financial Forum, co-organised by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, and exchanged views with them on issues of mutual concern.

Mr John Lee, Photo source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Mr Lee met with the President of the AIIB, Ms Zou Jiayi, today. Also attending the meeting was the Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui. Mr Lee said that amid the complex and volatile global trade landscape and geopolitical situation, the AIIB has been fostering sustainable economic development and promoting infrastructure connectivity in Asia. As a member of the AIIB, Hong Kong, being the world's third-largest international financial centre, boasts vibrant capital markets, world-class professional services and diversified financial products, and actively supports the AIIB's operations in areas such as project financing, bond issuance, and investment and financial management. Hong Kong will provide full support for the AIIB's establishment of an office in the city, and continue to leverage its unique advantages of connecting the Mainland with the world under the "one country, two systems" principle to deepen co-operation with the AIIB, with a view to further contributing to the sustainable development of infrastructure in Asia.

Accompanied by Mr Hui, Mr Lee met with the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Finance of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Mr Younis Haji Al Khoori. Also attending the meeting was the UAE Ambassador to China, Mr Hussain bin Ibrahim Al Hammadi. Mr Lee noted that the total merchandise trade between Hong Kong and the UAE exceeded US$16 billion in 2024, making the UAE Hong Kong's largest trading partner in the Middle East. He said he is pleased that since his visit to the UAE in 2023, both sides have continued to strengthen co-operation in various key areas including economy and trade, investment, finance and technology. As an important link in global trade connectivity, the UAE is an active participant in the development of the Belt and Road Initiative. As an international financial, shipping and trade centre with world-class infrastructure and professionals, Hong Kong is making every effort to develop into an international innovation and technology hub. It will give full play to its role as a functional platform for the Belt and Road Initiative and seize the tremendous opportunities brought about by the Initiative jointly with the UAE for mutual benefit.

Yesterday, accompanied by the Under Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Dr Bernard Chan, Mr Lee met with the Minister of Treasury and Finance of Türkiye, Mr Mehmet imek. Also attending the meeting was the Ambassador of Türkiye to China, Mr Selçuk Ünal. Mr Lee said that Türkiye, situated at the crossroads of Asia and Europe, is a major economy along the Belt and Road, while Hong Kong, located at a key node of the Belt and Road, plays an important role as a "super connector" and "super value-adder". Mr Lee said that Hong Kong and Türkiye have signed a Comprehensive Avoidance of Double Taxation Agreement as well as an Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement, and the two places will continue to enhance economic and trade co-operation and people-to-people exchanges. He welcomed Turkish enterprises to make use of Hong Kong as a gateway to tap into the Mainland and Asian markets to jointly explore more opportunities. He also encouraged more Turkish youth to pursue further studies and develop their careers in Hong Kong through the Belt and Road Scholarship.

The Asian Financial Forum 2026, Photo source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong’s startup ecosystem is thriving, attracting a growing number of local and international founders. The city’s business-friendly environment and strong innovation support make it an appealing base for startups aiming to expand in the region.

Startups thriving in HK.

One of them is a Hong Kong fintech startup that was acquired last year by a loyalty and travel rewards platform from Singapore.

David B Wang, the platform’s Global Head of Loyalty Partnerships and General Manager of Hong Kong, said the city offers favourable conditions for startup development.

Hong Kong is first and foremost a travel hub, he noted, adding that following the COVID-19 pandemic recovery, passenger traffic at Hong Kong International Airport has benefited significantly, and with a new terminal opening, he expects travel demand to continue growing.

David B Wang, the platform’s Global Head of Loyalty Partnerships and General Manager of Hong Kong.

Mr Wang also highlighted Hong Kong as a dynamic fintech hub that unites financial services and innovation, enabling companies to test new ideas and products. He also expressed appreciation for the various partners and stakeholders who supported the company’s entry into Hong Kong.

“Thanks to organisations, including Cyberport and Invest Hong Kong, for giving us the resources and showing us that there is an ecosystem here for us to tap into so that we can accelerate our growth and expansion to the market.”

Startups thriving in HK.

Last year, the number of startups and startup employees in Hong Kong reached new all-time highs. According to Invest Hong Kong, the number of startup firms in the city exceeded 5,200 in 2025, representing an 11% year-on-year increase. These companies employed nearly 20,000 people, reflecting growth of 12% compared with the previous year.

Director-General of Investment Promotion Alpha Lau said Hong Kong’s appeal extends far beyond its borders, with international founders accounting for approximately 33% of the city’s startup community, demonstrating that it is an ideal place for such firms.

“Whether they are local or from around the region using Hong Kong’s wonderful ecosystem for financing, or whether it is to look for support from government funding or develop test cases so that they can grow their dreams.”

Director-General of Investment Promotion Alpha Lau.

In 2025, Invest Hong Kong helped 560 companies to set up or expand their operations in the city. These companies are expected to bring in nearly $70 billion in direct investment and create more than 10,000 new jobs.

In addition, the New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme, which is partly administered by Invest Hong Kong, received more than 2,850 applications last year, and is expected to bring in investment of more than $85.5 billion to Hong Kong.

Looking ahead, Ms Lau said the department will focus on the Northern Metropolis and supporting Mainland enterprises in “going global” through Hong Kong.

Startups thriving in HK.

She said as Chinese Mainland industries continue to grow and expand their sales, technologies and investments abroad, Invest Hong Kong will help them to use the city as a platform. This includes managing the functions of their regional headquarters, fundraising, serving as a corporate treasury centre, and managing international operations.

Ms Lau outlined that the department will also identify companies that are interested in using the Northern Metropolis to expand their businesses, such as technology companies looking to establish research and development functions and pursue advanced manufacturing in the area.