The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Finance Ministers' Meeting, held in Hong Kong for the first time, concluded at noon on Wednesday (October 21). Lan Fo'an, China's Minister of Finance, joined Liao Min, Vice Minister of Finance, and Eduardo Pedrosa, Executive Director of the APEC Secretariat at a press conference.
The 2026 APEC Finance Ministers' Meeting. Photo source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Lan said that parties had conducted candid, in-depth and constructive exchanges on a range of priority areas. With the full support and collaboration of all member economies and the high-quality service support provided by the HKSAR Government, all agenda items were completed smoothly, and a series of pragmatic outcomes were achieved, making the meeting a complete success.
Lan Fo'an, China's Minister of Finance. Photo source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Finance ministers from APEC member economies agreed to strengthen macroeconomic policy communication and coordination to address external risks and challenges, Lan said at the briefing. They also reached a consensus on promoting practical cooperation in the financial sector, focused on supporting people's livelihoods, digital infrastructure financing and locally adapted measures for inclusive finance development.
The 2026 APEC Finance Ministers' Meeting. Photo source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
During the morning session, representatives held in-depth discussions on promoting inclusive finance tailored to local conditions, advancing exchanges and cooperation among young finance professionals across APEC, and deliberating the key agenda items for APEC's finance track next year. The meeting also approved the 2026 APEC Finance Ministers' Joint Statement, aimed at supporting regional trade, economic connectivity, and enhancing economic opportunities.
At the 2026 APEC Finance Ministers' Meeting held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre in Wan Chai, Ambassador Chen Xu, Chair of the 2026 APEC Senior Officials' Meeting, remarked that Hong Kong is a vital bridge connecting China with the Asia-Pacific and the world. He expressed great pleasure in gathering in Hong Kong for the Finance Ministers' Meeting and extended sincere gratitude to China's Ministry of Finance for its efficient and pragmatic organization and preparatory work, as well as to the HKSAR Government for its thoughtful arrangements and warm hospitality. He expressed the hope that delegates would take the opportunity to walk around and experience the unique charm of Hong Kong firsthand.
Ambassador Chen Xu, Chair of the 2026 APEC Senior Officials' Meeting. Photo source: AP News
Chen briefed the meeting on the progress and outcomes of the APEC "China Year." He noted that China, as the APEC host this year, has worked with all members to advance exchanges and cooperation across various fields and mechanisms under the theme of "Building an Asia-Pacific Community to Prosper Together," focusing on the three priorities of openness, innovation, and cooperation. To date, more than 300 APEC meetings and events have been successfully held, including a series of sectoral ministerial meetings and the Digital Week, yielding a range of practical outcomes.
The 2026 APEC Finance Ministers' Meeting. Photo source: AP News
On specific cooperation progress, Chen stated that members have reaffirmed their support for the Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific (FTAAP) process, approved the APEC Roadmap for Innovative, Competitive and Resilient Services, outlined the APEC vision for digital and artificial intelligence cooperation, and committed to enhancing women's digital literacy, employment, and entrepreneurship. In addition, economies held in-depth discussions on tourism facilitation measures in the Asia-Pacific region, clarified pathways for cooperation on forest governance and forest products trade, formulated guiding principles for enhancing food system resilience, and comprehensively elevated the capacity of SMEs in the region for innovative and resilient development. The meeting also deepened the concept of an Asia-Pacific Energy Community, further promoted the modernization of human resources in the region, and strengthened cooperation on smart transport and connectivity. Chen stressed that these fruitful outcomes have further built consensus for constructing an Asia-Pacific community and laid a solid foundation for the upcoming APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting.
Analyzing the current macroeconomic landscape, Chen noted that the world economy is entering a new period of turbulence and transformation, with unilateralism and protectionism continuing to spread and global industrial and supply chains accelerating their adjustment, making the issue of uneven development in the Asia-Pacific region more pronounced. Therefore, further strengthening macroeconomic communication and coordination among APEC economies and making good use of various fiscal and financial tools are of vital significance for safeguarding economic stability and promoting regional economic integration.
The 2026 APEC Finance Ministers' Meeting. Photo source: AP News
He further stated that delegates gathering in Hong Kong to conduct in-depth discussions on a wide range of topics, including fiscal policy, supporting people's livelihoods, facilitating digital infrastructure financing, and promoting inclusive finance development, will help fully leverage the positive role of fiscal policy in stabilizing growth, safeguarding livelihoods, and promoting transformation. This will unleash the development vitality of the Asia-Pacific region and provide solid fiscal and financial safeguards for building an Asia-Pacific community.
Hong Kong. Photo source: reference image
In his concluding remarks, Chen emphasized that Hong Kong is not only an international financial, trade, and shipping center, but also a core engine of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and a vital bridge connecting China with the Asia-Pacific and the world. The APEC Finance Ministers' Meeting is the first APEC ministerial meeting ever hosted by Hong Kong. He expressed the hope that delegates will take this opportunity to walk around and see for themselves the city's unique charm, vibrant energy, and boundless vitality.
