Speech by CE at Global Free Trade Ports Development Forum of Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2026 in Hainan
Following is the speech by the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, at the Global Free Trade Ports Development Forum of the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2026 in Hainan today (March 24):
Honourable Vice Chairman Mu Hong (Vice Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and Vice Chairman of the Boao Forum for Asia), honourable Secretary Feng Fei (Secretary of the CPC Hainan Provincial Committee), honourable Governor Liu Xiaoming (Governor of Hainan), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
Good afternoon. I would like to address this forum in English to reflect Hong Kong's status as an international city under "one country, two systems". And bilingualism is a part of everyday life in Hong Kong. It is my great pleasure to join you today, in Hainan, at the Global Free Trade Ports Development Forum of the Boao Forum for Asia.
This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Boao Forum for Asia. Over the past quarter of a century, the Forum has become a premier platform for dialogue on economic co-operation, bringing together leaders, policymakers and business pioneers from across the region. Together, we foster mutual understanding and advance regional co-operation. The Boao Forum has made significant contributions to Asia's remarkable rise on the global stage. I extend my warmest congratulations to the Boao Forum for Asia on this milestone occasion.
This year also marks a new chapter for China, our country. Two weeks ago, the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress approved the Outline of the 15th Five-Year Plan for National Economic and Social Development of the People's Republic of China. The 15th Five-Year Plan sets out the indicators for the main objectives, major strategic tasks, and major projects for the country's development for the next five years.
The high-standard development of the Hainan Free Trade Port is a highlight of the Plan. The Port began its island-wide special customs operations four months ago. The Plan supports the continuous enhancement of liberalisation in trade, investment and the flow of production factors in the free trade port.
I congratulate Hainan on her remarkable progress in the development of the free trade port policy, which is now firmly in place. It allows for more open and free entry of overseas goods, expands zero-tariff coverage, and includes a host of business-friendly measures. Hainan is fast rising as a popular destination for global business and innovative industries. I have every confidence that this scenic island will soon become a powerful showcase for our country's dedication to free trade and high-quality opening up.
At a time of mounting geopolitical tensions and rampant protectionism, China's unwavering commitment to an open, and inclusive, economic order and multilateral trade gives this volatile world the reassurance it needs. And we are not alone in this. Much like the theme of this year's Boao Forum for Asia, "Shaping a Shared Future: New Dynamics, New Opportunities, New Cooperation", economies in the region are working together to ensure we remain a driver of global growth and an anchor of stability.
Ladies and gentlemen, Hong Kong is no stranger to free trade and co-operation. For more than a century, Hong Kong has been a free port and a champion of free and unfettered trade. Hong Kong is the world's No.1 in economic freedom, topping the ranking in "freedom to trade internationally". The International Institute for Management Development ranked Hong Kong among the world's top three most competitive economies. Our "business legislation" and "tax policy" ranked No. 1, globally.
Under the unique "one country, two systems" principle, Hong Kong enjoys the strong support of China, our country, while maintaining unparalleled connectivity with the world. We treasure our long tradition of the rule of law, and our common law legal system is shared by many global financial hubs. Capital, goods, talent and information flow freely in Hong Kong. Our tax system is simple and invitingly low.
A city of just over 1 100 square kilometres in land area, Hong Kong is the world's seventh-largest merchandise trading entity. We are also the world's third-largest foreign direct investment destination. Hong Kong is a founding member of the World Trade Organisation, and has signed free trade agreements with 21 economies and investment agreements with 33 economies.
These are not just numbers or trophies. They reflect the trust, and confidence, the global business community places in Hong Kong. It's a hard-earned accomplishment built on decades of integrity, the respect for the rule of law, and an unwavering commitment to free trade and multilateralism.
If the events of the first three months of 2026 are any lesson to learn, it is that no economy can thrive in isolation. Stability requires a regional framework that is open and inclusive for everyone. At this important platform for dialogue, I would like to share with you the three directions Hong Kong is pursuing to promote growth opportunities for all.
First, we will continue to expand our global trade network. At a time when some are drawing battle lines, Hong Kong is drawing trade routes. We choose connection over confrontation, and we value co-operation over conflict. Hong Kong actively seeks to co-operate with trading partners, including economies with strong trade relations with Hong Kong, as well as emerging markets with development potential or at strategic locations.
We have recently concluded investment agreement negotiations with Qatar, Bangladesh and Peru. And we are exploring the signing of new investment agreements with Saudi Arabia and Egypt.
Forging more free trade agreements is also a priority. We are committed to joining the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, the world's largest free trade agreement. We maintain close communication with the Partnership's member economies, and will continue to rally their support for Hong Kong's early accession. We look forward to contributing to the Partnership, to working with member economies in promoting regional economic integration.
Second, we will leverage our network to connect investors with opportunities. Hong Kong has 16 offices and liaison units on the Mainland, and 15 overseas Economic and Trade Offices. Together with the offices of Invest Hong Kong and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, we have a presence in 68 cities and cover 129 countries.
The HKSAR Government has set up a GoGlobal Task Force (Task Force on Supporting Mainland Enterprises in Going Global) by drawing these offices and other stakeholders together, to support the overseas expansion of Mainland enterprises. Last week, we launched a cross-sector professional services platform, under the GoGlobal initiative, to connect the expansion needs of Mainland Chinese enterprises, the demand of global buyers and investors, and Hong Kong's world-class professional services. We offer a rich pool of multilingual talent, and a premier platform for financing and asset management.
Meanwhile, our Economic and Trade Express, set up last year, is also strengthening the co-ordination among Hong Kong's global network of offices. It supports small and medium enterprises and start-ups, organising overseas business missions and providing companies with one-stop services like business matching, to help Hong Kong enterprises in exploring foreign markets.
Third, we will promote regional economic development and prosperity. China, our country, is the host economy of APEC, the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, in 2026. Under the theme of "Building an Asia-Pacific Community to Prosper Together", this year's APEC meetings will be held in cities across the country. We are honoured that the APEC Finance Ministers' Meeting will be held in Hong Kong this October.
Hong Kong has been a member of APEC since 1991. We participate in different aspects of APEC's work, promoting regional macroeconomic co-operation and the real economy.
The APEC Finance Ministers' Meeting will bring together finance ministers from across the region to exchange views on the regional and global economic outlook, and promote sustainable development, financial stability and greater economic co-operation.
The HKSAR Government, let me add, will spare no effort in making comprehensive preparations to support our country's successful hosting of APEC 2026. That includes taking full advantage of Hong Kong's strengths as an international financial centre, and organising the meeting to deepen international exchanges and co-operation. In turn, we will help promote harmony and the region's sustainable development, playing our part in maintaining multilateral exchanges.
Ladies and gentlemen, with the world in a heightened period of turbulence, Hong Kong is committed to navigating uncertainties with openness, not in isolation. I am confident that the Free Trade Port of Hainan and Hong Kong will complement each other in building a powerful engine for free trade. Hong Kong endeavours to work with Hainan, as well as our friends from the Mainland and around the world that value free trade, to build a prosperous global community with a shared future for humanity.
Let's join hands in shaping this shared future of prosperity, and embrace its new dynamics, new opportunities and new co-operation. On that note, I wish the Boao Forum for Asia every success in the next 25 years and beyond, and all of you a fruitful and healthy year. Thank you.
The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, attended the Global Free Trade Ports Development Forum of the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2026 in Hainan today (March 24). Photo shows Mr Lee speaking at the forum. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
InvestHK highlights Hong Kong's "AI+" and "Finance+" strengths at Inclusion Conference on the Bund 2026 to support Chinese Mainland enterprises' going global
Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) participated in the Inclusion Conference on the Bund 2026 in Shanghai on September 9 and 10. Through a thematic forum, dedicated exhibition booth and a series of engagement activities, InvestHK showcased Hong Kong's unique strengths as an international financial centre and international innovation and technology hub. It also highlighted how the city's 'Finance+' and 'AI+' strengths support Chinese Mainland enterprises in advancing innovation and expanding into international markets. Held under the theme "Co-creating the New AI Economy", this year's Conference brought together technology companies, industry leaders, innovation and technology organisations, and start-ups from around the world. InvestHK has deepened its engagement further this year, by promoting Hong Kong’s integrated strengths in capital, technology, talent and professional services, helping enterprises seize new opportunities and accelerate their international expansion.
The Secretary of the CPC Shanghai Huangpu District, Ms Xu Huili, said, "As globalisation continues to accelerate, going global has become a priority for many enterprises. As a world-renowned international financial centre, Hong Kong offers a mature capital market, a strong professional services ecosystem, a legal system aligned with international standards, and a rich pool of talent. Hong Kong has become an important platform for Chinese Mainland enterprises seeking to expand globally. In the first half of this year, the Huangpu District (Hong Kong) Talent Liaison and Enterprise Going Global Service Station was officially launched in Hong Kong, alongside the successful staging of the 'Creator·H²' Global Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition. From connecting I&T resources to developing high-level innovation platforms, and from talent exchanges to project matchmaking, a series of practical initiatives is gradually translating into tangible results as Huangpu District and Hong Kong join forces to support Chinese Mainland enterprises in going global. Looking ahead, Huangpu District will further deepen collaboration with relevant departments and organisations in Hong Kong, and actively promote co-operation between Shanghai and Hong Kong in areas including policy alignment, talent exchanges and capital connectivity, creating a pathway for enterprises to expand from Shanghai to the global stage."
The Global Head of Financial Services, Fintech & Sustainability at InvestHK, Mr King Leung, said, "Chinese Mainland enterprises are entering a new phase of internationalisation, where integrated development is driven by technology, brands, capital and supply chain. As a key node in the country's dual circulation strategy, the Yangtze River Delta is home to a growing number of companies with global competitiveness. Hong Kong is uniquely positioned to support this next stage of growth. As an international financial centre and international innovation and technology hub, the city brings together capital, market and talent connectivity, while providing comprehensive support across financing, research and development, professional services and overseas business expansion for enterprises. As a "Super Connector" and "Super Value-Adder", Hong Kong will continue to help Chinese Mainland enterprises seize opportunities arising from the AI era, connect with international markets and accelerate their global development."
Hong Kong Forum explores new opportunities for enterprise global expansion
One of the highlights of this year's Conference was the Hong Kong Forum organised by InvestHK under the theme "Sailing the Digital Ocean — Hong Kong's 'FinTech+' Empowers Chinese Mainland Enterprises to Expand Globally". The Forum formed part of a broader Hong Kong delegation of more than 20 representatives from the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, regulators, financial institutions, innovation and technology organisations, and the business community to explore emerging trends and opportunities of Chinese Mainland enterprise globalisation. Discussions focused on key issues ranging from fundraising and treasury management to innovation, talent, cross-border compliance and international expansion, showcasing how Hong Kong supports enterprises at different stages of their global growth journey.
As a showcase of Hong Kong's "Finance+" and "AI+" advantages, the Forum convened representatives from the Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau, the Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau, InvestHK, the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, and Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited alongside leaders from the financial, technology and professional services sectors. Through policy dialogues, thematic discussions and business case studies, participants examined how Hong Kong supports Chinese Mainland enterprises throughout their go-global journey, from policy advantages, financing and innovation to global market expansion.
Participants noted that Chinese Mainland enterprises are moving beyond traditional product exports towards a more sophisticated phase of globalisation. They must develop endtoend capabilities spanning global capital mobility, innovation and research and development (R&D), compliance and crossborder operations. Against this backdrop, the Forum explored practical strategies for enhancing global treasury efficiency through Hong Kong's cross-border Renminbi network, multi-currency treasury management capabilities and fintech infrastructure; promoting offshore R&D and AI innovation capabilities through Hong Kong's research talent pool, start-up ecosystem and IP protection regime fosters offshore R&D and AI innovation; and navigating cross-border compliance , supply chain, digital infrastructure challenges across markets and other challenges. Discussions also covered the role of policy initiatives and market mechanisms, ranging from company establishment, tax incentives, talent attraction, to capital markets access and cross-border financing solutions, providing enterprises with a clearer development path from establishing a presence in Hong Kong and consolidating resources to expanding their global business.
Hong Kong pavilion highlights the city's advantages and deepening Shanghai-Hong Kong collaboration
During the Conference, InvestHK showcased Hong Kong's integrated strengths as a platform for enterprise globalisation through a dedicated booth, with Hong Kong FinTech Week x StartmeupHK highlighting as the city's latest developments in financial services, innovation and technology. The pavilion demonstrated how Hong Kong's "AI+" and "Finance+" strengths support innovation of Chinese Mainland enterprises, connect them with global opportunities and help businesses expand internationally. Through its participation in the Conference, InvestHK further strengthened engagement with enterprises from the Yangtze River Delta, encouraging them to leverage Hong Kong's flagship platforms, including Hong Kong FinTech Week x StartmeupHK, as gateways to international markets and growth opportunities.
InvestHK's participation in the Inclusion Conference on the Bund for a second consecutive year reflects the growing momentum of collaboration between Shanghai and Hong Kong in fintech, innovation, entrepreneurship and enterprise internationalisation. Looking ahead, InvestHK will continue to strengthen engagement with the Yangtze River Delta and other regions across the country, fostering closer connections betwen innovation, industry and capital. As enterprises navigate the opportunities presented by AI, industrial transformation and a rapidly evolving global economy, Hong Kong will continue to play a unique role in helping businesses connect with global markets, build international capabilities, and achieve high quality growth.
Invest Hong Kong participated in the Inclusion Conference on the Bund 2026 in Shanghai on September 9 and 10. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Invest Hong Kong participated in the Inclusion Conference on the Bund 2026 in Shanghai on September 9 and 10. Its Hong Kong Forum, themed "Sailing the Digital Ocean - Hong Kong's 'FinTech+' Empowers Chinese Mainland Enterprises to Expand Globally", was held yesterday (September 10). Photo shows the Senior Vice President (Fintech) at InvestHK, Ms Pauline Fan (first left) moderating the fireside chat on "HKSAR Government Incentives and Policy Dividends", with the Vice President (Global Issuer Services) at Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited, Mr Sam Luk (second left); the Senior Vice President (Startups) at InvestHK, Mr Chin-yung Lu (third left); and the Senior Manager (Market Outreach) at the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, Ms Sandy Chow (first right). Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Invest Hong Kong participated in the Inclusion Conference on the Bund 2026 in Shanghai on September 9 and 10. Its Hong Kong Forum, themed "Sailing the Digital Ocean - Hong Kong's 'FinTech+' Empowers Chinese Mainland Enterprises to Expand Globally", was held yesterday (September 10). Photo shows the General Manager, Hong Kong & Macau at OceanBase, Mr Bosco Fung, sharing how enterprises can leverage Hong Kong's ecosystem to navigate challenges related to cloud costs, cross-border compliance and global business expansion, helping them scale more effectively in international markets. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Invest Hong Kong participated in the Inclusion Conference on the Bund 2026 in Shanghai on September 9 and 10. Its Hong Kong Forum, themed "Sailing the Digital Ocean - Hong Kong's 'FinTech+' Empowers Chinese Mainland Enterprises to Expand Globally", was held yesterday (September 10). Photo shows the Honorable President of the Hong Kong Association of Interactive Marketing, Mr Francis Fong (first left), moderating a panel discussion on "Hong Kong as Tech Innovation R&D Center for Going-Global Enterprises", with the Commissioner for Industry (Innovation and Technology) at Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau, Dr Ge Ming (second left); the General Manager, Innovation Finance Department of the Shanghai Pudong Development Bank, Mr Zhao Jun (third left); the Chief Executive Officer of AlipayHK and General Manager of Greater China, Ant International, Ms Venetia Lee (third right); the Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Alibaba Hong Kong Entrepreneurs Fund, Ms Cindy Chow (second right); and the Vice President of Overseas Strategic Business of Ant Digital Technologies, Mr Wang Bo (first right). Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Invest Hong Kong participated in the Inclusion Conference on the Bund 2026 in Shanghai on September 9 and 10. Its Hong Kong Forum, themed "Sailing the Digital Ocean - Hong Kong's 'FinTech+' Empowers Chinese Mainland Enterprises to Expand Globally", was held yesterday (September 10). Photo shows the General Manager of China Business at WorldFirst Ant International, Ms Tang Yan (first left); the Director of AI Solutions at OceanBase, Mr Dai Tao (second left); the Board Director of the Hong Kong FinTech Association and the Managing Director, Head of SME Banking at DBS Bank (Hong Kong), Ms Lareina Wang (third left); the Chief Executive Officer of Westwell Holdings (Hong Kong) Limited, Ms Kay Yang (second right); and the Founder and President of Orcauboat, Mr Jacky Zhu (first right), sharing practical perspectives on enterprise globalisation. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Invest Hong Kong participated in the Inclusion Conference on the Bund 2026 in Shanghai on September 9 and 10. Its Hong Kong Forum, themed "Sailing the Digital Ocean - Hong Kong's 'FinTech+' Empowers Chinese Mainland Enterprises to Expand Globally", was held yesterday (September 10). Photo shows the Commissioner for Industry (Innovation and Technology) at the Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau, Dr Ge Ming, delivering a keynote address. He highlighted how Hong Kong is strengthening its position as an international innovation and technology hub by fostering the development of infrastructure, talent, and an innovation and technology ecosystem; promoting integration of technology innovation and industry innovation as well as advancing new industrialisation; and advancing alongside the development of an international financial centre, thereby creating new opportunities for enterprises to land in Hong Kong and expand globally. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Invest Hong Kong participated in the Inclusion Conference on the Bund 2026 in Shanghai on September 9 and 10. Its Hong Kong Forum, themed "Sailing the Digital Ocean - Hong Kong's 'FinTech+' Empowers Chinese Mainland Enterprises to Expand Globally", was held yesterday (September 10). Photo shows the Founder & Managing Director of FinStep Asia, Mr Syed Musheer Ahmed (first left) moderating a panel discussion on "Hong Kong as Treasury Management Centre for Going Global Enterprises", with the Assistant Chief Executive at the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (Asia), Mr Liu Yanbin (second left); the General Manager of Platform Tech and Senior Vice President at Ant International, Mr Kelvin Li (third left); the Executive Director (Financial Infrastructure) at the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, Mr Nelson Chow (third right); the Chief Executive Officer of Luxembourg for Finance, Mr Tom Théobald (second right); and Senior Vice President (Financial Services) at InvestHK, Mr Benson Wan (first right). Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Invest Hong Kong participated in the Inclusion Conference on the Bund 2026 in Shanghai on September 9 and 10. Its Hong Kong Forum, themed "Sailing the Digital Ocean - Hong Kong's 'FinTech+' Empowers Chinese Mainland Enterprises to Expand Globally", was held yesterday (September 10). Photo shows Partner at Bain & Company Mr Frankie Leung (left) moderating a fireside chat on "Trends in Chinese Mainland Enterprises Going Global", with the Political Assistant to the Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Julian Ip (right), and the Global Head of Financial Services, Fintech and Sustainability at InvestHK, Mr King Leung (centre). The discussion explored how Chinese Mainland enterprises are evolving from product-led international expansion towards building globally competitive brands, technologies, AI capabilities and industrial ecosystems. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Invest Hong Kong participated in the Inclusion Conference on the Bund 2026 in Shanghai on September 9 and 10. Its Hong Kong Forum, themed "Sailing the Digital Ocean - Hong Kong's 'FinTech+' Empowers Chinese Mainland Enterprises to Expand Globally", was held yesterday (September 10). Photo shows the Political Assistant to the Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Julian Ip, delivering a keynote address. He highlighted Hong Kong's strategic role in supporting Chinese Mainland enterprises' international expansion through its globally connected legal and financial systems, open business environment and vibrant innovation and technology ecosystem. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Invest Hong Kong participated in the Inclusion Conference on the Bund 2026 in Shanghai on September 9 and 10. Its Hong Kong Forum, themed "Sailing the Digital Ocean - Hong Kong's 'FinTech+' Empowers Chinese Mainland Enterprises to Expand Globally", was held yesterday (September 10). Photo shows the Secretary of the CPC Shanghai Huangpu District, Ms Xu Huili (sixth left), the Political Assistant to the Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Julian Ip (fifth left), the Commissioner for Industry (Innovation and Technology) at the Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau, Dr Ge Ming (fifth right), and the Global Head of Financial Services, Fintech and Sustainability at InvestHK, Mr King Leung (fourth left). Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
