John Lee Welcomes APEC Finance Ministers to Historic Meeting in Hong Kong

2026-10-20 20:30 Last Updated At：20:53

Speech by CE at APEC Finance Ministers' Meeting 2026 Welcome Dinner (with photo/video)

Following is the speech by the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, at the APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) Finance Ministers' Meeting 2026 Welcome Dinner today (October 20):

Honourable Minister Lan Fo'an (Minister of Finance), honourable ministers and officials, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

Good evening. It is my great pleasure to welcome you all to Hong Kong, this year's APEC Finance Ministers' Meeting and tonight's welcome dinner.

This is a historic occasion for Hong Kong. The APEC Finance Ministers' Meeting - part of APEC China 2026 - is taking place in our city for the very first time. We are honoured to support this significant international event, which brings together the member economies of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, representing some three billion people and accounting for over 60 per cent of global GDP.

For more than three decades, APEC has demonstrated the power of dialogue and co-operation, promoting economic growth and improving people's lives across the region.

The Finance Ministers' Meeting holds a special place within that mission.

Whether it's financing the infrastructure of the future, expanding access to financial services, or helping younger generations thrive in a rapidly changing global economy, these are issues that transcend boundaries - that call for collective solutions.

Together, we seek to build economies that are more resilient, innovative and inclusive, to create continuing opportunities for our businesses, communities and future generations.

These aspirations reflect Hong Kong's own goals.

Under the unique "one country, two systems" principle, Hong Kong enjoys both the China advantage and the global advantage. We are the only common law jurisdiction in China, our country, and have a legal and regulatory regime similar to most of the world's top financial hubs.

For those of you who are familiar with the Chinese language, you may know that our city's name, Hong Kong, literally means "fragrant harbour". And what a harbour we are, with our world-class shipping services and over a century's experience as a free port.

A founding member of the World Trade Organization, Hong Kong champions free trade and maintains a zero-tariff policy, a simple and low tax regime, and a stable, secure, fair and predictable business environment for a world of investors and professionals.

These contribute to Hong Kong's status as a global financial centre. And we are committed to strengthening Hong Kong's roles as a global offshore Renminbi business hub, an international asset and wealth management centre, and an international risk management centre.

We are also advancing our development of commodity trading and high value-added supply chain services, while promoting green, digital and other financial services.

All thanks to Hong Kong's resilient and multi-talented professionals, who are well versed in the business language and practice of both our country and the world. Their professionalism helps to put Hong Kong in the fourth place, globally, and first in Asia, in the World Talent Ranking of the International Institute for Management Development.

Hong Kong is proud to be the only city in the world that counts as many as five universities in the global top 100. And our institutions will continue to nurture our leaders of tomorrow.

Talking about the future, a highlight in our development is the Northern Metropolis, which is fast becoming Hong Kong's new economic engine.

The Northern Metropolis is connected to the enterprising and innovative Mainland city of Shenzhen, where the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting is set to take place next month. The Northern Metropolis will become an innovation and technology hub, and home to three university towns, integrating education, technology and talent.

No less important, it will help to deepen collaboration in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, a cluster city development that brings together Hong Kong, Shenzhen and nine southern cities, and has a combined GDP that rivals the world's 10th largest economy.

Ladies and gentlemen, Hong Kong has long been a meeting point of cultures, ideas and traditions, where East and West come together to create a distinctive and dynamic global city.

This evening offers a glimpse of that cultural spirit - in the authentic local flavours featured in tonight's dinner and drinks. And in this evening's entertainment, which presents a resplendent taste of Chinese culture, from the harmony of Chinese martial arts, to the melody of our folk music.

We are also pleased to give you a delicious taste of Hong Kong, beyond this dining room, with our visit programmes featuring a wealth of arts and culture, technology and our storied Victoria Harbour.

On that note, I wish the APEC community continued prosperity with ever-growing openness, innovation and co-operation. And I wish you all a rewarding Finance Ministers' Meeting, and a memorable stay in Hong Kong.

Thank you.

APEC Finance Ministers' Meeting 2026 Begins in Hong Kong, Discussing Economic Cooperation and Financial Resilience.

APEC Finance Ministers' Meeting 2026 opens in Hong Kong

The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Finance Ministers' Meeting (FMM) 2026 commenced today (October 20) for the first time in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR). Representatives from the APEC member economies and international organisations gathered for the two-day meeting to discuss key issues including the global and regional macroeconomic and financial outlook, fiscal policy supporting households, digital infrastructure financing, financial access and opportunity for all, and young financial talent dialogue, with a view to strengthening economic and financial co-operation in the Asia-Pacific region.

The Minister of Finance, Mr Lan Fo'an, said at the opening ceremony that a new round of technological revolution and industrial transformation is accelerating with breakthroughs, and new development momentum is gathering. As the engine of global economic growth, the Asia-Pacific region bears greater responsibility. All parties should firmly implement the consensus reached at the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting and contribute to regional prosperity. First, strengthen macroeconomic policy dialogue and maintain regional economic and financial stability. Given the current highly uncertain international economic environment, all economies should enhance the soundness of their own macroeconomic policies while strengthening policy communication and co-ordination to prevent negative spillover effects from policy adjustments. Second, accelerate economic transformation and enhance economic resilience. All economies should seize the opportunities of digital and green transformation, promote innovative co-operation in areas such as artificial intelligence, the digital economy, and green and low-carbon development, and cultivate new growth drivers. Third, uphold development as a priority and promote shared prosperity. All economies should deepen practical co-operation in fiscal and financial fields, foster an open regional economic environment, maintain the stability and smooth flow of industrial and supply chains, and advance regional economic integration.

The agenda of the FMM today covered discussions on the global and regional macroeconomic and financial outlook, fiscal policies supporting households, and digital infrastructure financing. Speaking during the discussion sessions, the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, said that amid geopolitical tensions and uncertainties over trade policies, Asia-Pacific economies should strengthen co-operation to maintain the smooth flow of trade and investment, while guarding against financial risks and nurturing long-term growth drivers. He noted that economies should step up investment in technology, digital infrastructure and talent training, and promote the wider application of artificial intelligence, enabling small and medium-sized enterprises and the public to share in the benefits of technological advances. On infrastructure development, governments should provide a clear, stable and predictable policy environment and make effective use of public resources. They should also work with the business sector and multilateral development banks, leveraging financing tools such as asset securitisation to channel long-term capital into productive infrastructure projects.

Mr Chan said that Hong Kong would leverage its unique advantages under the "one country, two systems" principle, and make full use of its diverse financing channels and professional services as an international financial centre to serve as a "super connector" and "super value-adder". By connecting capital, technology and projects across the region, Hong Kong would work with other economies to foster more resilient, sustainable and inclusive growth, ensuring that the benefits of development translate into better livelihoods.

In the morning, the Hong Kong Monetary Authority and the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC) held two thematic seminars on "Fostering a digitalised, inclusive and sustainable supply chain ecosystem through finance" and "Mobilising capital for nature: scaling finance and regional cooperation across APEC" respectively. Delivering welcoming remarks at the seminars, the Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui, said that the seminars have brought together regulators, business leaders and experts from across the Asia-Pacific region to share their practical experience and market insights for meaningful exchanges on ways to unlock new opportunities, strengthen financial resilience, and drive sustainable growth for all. The speakers and attendants of the seminars also held in-depth discussions on the relevant topics.

To allow delegates to further appreciate Hong Kong's cultural heritage and unique charm as an international metropolis, a diverse range of experiential and cultural activities and visits, incorporating elements of Chinese culture and Hong Kong's distinct character, were arranged for members of delegations from participating economies and international organisations, with an aim of telling good stories of both the country and Hong Kong. Members of some participating delegations boarded a sightseeing bus arranged by the meeting organiser yesterday (October 19) evening, to visit the Xiqu Centre and enjoy cultural performances, experiencing first-hand the essence of Chinese culture and the vitality of Hong Kong society.

A series of study visits and tours were arranged for delegates today for members of the delegations from participating economies and international organisations, offering them an opportunity to experience Hong Kong's diverse appeal, where natural and urban landscapes converge and tradition blends with modernity. The itineraries included the Peak, the Chinese Culinary Institute and Ocean Park.

In the evening today, the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, and Mr Lan, jointly officiated at a welcome dinner for representatives of the APEC member economies and international organisations.

The FMM will continue tomorrow (October 21).

China is the host of APEC 2026. The FMM, being hosted by the Ministry of Finance and held in Hong Kong under the arrangements and organisation of the HKSAR Government, is a key component among a series of APEC meetings this year. Through the FMM, Hong Kong has demonstrated to participating economies and the international community its comprehensive development across economic, financial, and social sectors, leveraging its distinctive advantages of enjoying strong support of the motherland and being closely connected to the world. The FMM has also deepened co-operation with other APEC members, fully showcasing Hong Kong's role as a "super connector".

John Lee Welcomes APEC Finance Ministers to Historic Meeting in Hong Kong

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John Lee Welcomes APEC Finance Ministers to Historic Meeting in Hong Kong

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