APEC Finance Ministers' Meeting 2026 Concludes with Key Agreements on Economic Development and Financial Inclusion in Hong Kong.

APEC Finance Ministers' Meeting 2026 concludes successfully in Hong Kong

The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Finance Ministers' Meeting (FMM) 2026 concluded successfullyin the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR). Representatives from APEC member economies and international organisations engaged in in-depth exchanges on major issues concerning regional economic development, reaching broad consensus and achieving practical outcomes.

On its second day today (October 21), the FMM issued the 2026 APEC Finance Ministers' Joint Statement, reaffirming the commitment to building an open, dynamic, resilient, and peaceful Asia-Pacific community by 2040 for the prosperity of all our people and future generations. The statement also noted that meaningful discussions were held on fiscal policy supporting households, digital infrastructure financing, financial access and opportunity for all, and welcomed the convening of the Young Financial Talents Dialogue, to promote the prosperity and resilience of the region.

The agenda of the FMM today included discussions on advancing financial inclusion through approaches tailored to the circumstances of individual economies, and strengthening exchanges and co-operation among young financial professionals across APEC. Speaking during the discussion sessions, the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, said that the key to advancing financial inclusion was to enable individuals and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to access affordable and reliable financial services safely and conveniently. He shared Hong Kong's experience with the Commercial Data Interchange, which facilitates data sharing between businesses and banks to improve the efficiency of credit assessment and help SMEs access finance. He emphasised that consumer protection, sound data governance and clear accountability must be integral to innovation.

Mr Chan also expressed Hong Kong's support for continuing the Young Financial Talents Dialogue in 2027 to nurture a new generation of professionals with technical expertise, sound judgement, international perspectives and the ability to work across borders. He suggested focusing exchanges on practical policy issues, including responsible AI adoption, digital infrastructure financing and financial access, and building a lasting network among participants to promote continued learning and long-term co-operation.

At the closing session of the meeting, the Minister of Finance, Mr Lan Fo'an, said that all parties should firmly implement the consensus reached at the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting, uphold multilateralism, and deepen practical co-operation in fiscal and financial affairs, with a view to contributing to regional economic and financial stability and long-term sustainable growth.

A press conference was also held after the meeting. Mr Lan said that, with the joint efforts of all participants and the high-quality services provided by the HKSAR Government, the FMM had successfullycompleted all agenda items and delivered a series of practical deliverables. He noted that the meeting had deepened consensus among Asia-Pacific economies in three areas, namely strengthening communication and co-ordination on macroeconomic policies to jointly respond to external risks and challenges; promoting practical financial and economic co-operation to support long-term sustainable development in the Asia-Pacific region; and advancing regional economic integration and fostering an Asia-Pacific community.

Following the meeting, tours were arranged for members of delegations from participating economies and international organisations during their stay in Hong Kong. These activities offered them first-hand experience of Hong Kong's unique charm - a city where Eastern and Western cultures converge and development goes hand in hand with culture. The itineraries included visits to the Hong Kong Museum of Art, the Hong Kong Palace Museum, as well as a boat tour to enjoy the renowned views of Victoria Harbour.

The APEC FMM 2026 showcased Hong Kong's unique advantages as an international financial centre, strongly supported by the Motherland and closely connected to the world, as well as its capability to host major international conferences. Hong Kong will continue to leverage its roles as a "super connector" and "super value-adder" to deepen exchanges and co-operation with APEC member economies and contribute to regional economic and financial development.

APEC Finance Ministers' Meeting 2026 concludes successfully in Hong Kong Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

APEC Finance Ministers' Meeting 2026 concludes successfully in Hong Kong Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

APEC Finance Ministers' Meeting 2026 concludes successfully in Hong Kong Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

APEC Finance Ministers' Meeting 2026 concludes successfully in Hong Kong Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

APEC Finance Ministers' Meeting 2026 concludes successfully in Hong Kong Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

SCST congratulates Vivian Lau, Yeung Hiu-lam, Leung Yuk-wing, Cheung Yuen, Ng Cheuk-yan, John Loung, Yu Chui-yee, Tong Nga-ting and Hung Wing-long on winning medals in Asian Para Games

The Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law, today (October 21) extended her congratulations to boccia athlete Vivian Lau on winning a gold medal in Women's Individual-BC4 at the 5th Asian Para Games, bringing the Hong Kong, China delegation its first gold medal of the Games.

Miss Law also congratulated boccia athletes Yeung Hiu-lam, Leung Yuk-wing and Cheung Yuen on each winning a silver medal in Women's Individual-BC2, Men's Individual-BC4 and Women's Individual-BC4 respectively; swimming athlete Ng Cheuk-yan on winning a silver medal in Women's 50m Butterfly S7; boccia athlete John Loung on winning a bronze medal in Men's Individual-BC1; fencing athletes Yu Chui-yee and Tong Nga-ting on winning their bronze medals in Women's Epee Individual Category A and Category B respectively; as well as swimming athlete Hung Wing-long on winning a bronze medal in Men's 100m Breaststroke SB14.

Miss Law said, "The Hong Kong, China Delegation secured nine medals in one day today. The boccia team had a highly successful day, winning five medals in a single day. Vivian Lau and Cheung Yuen swept the gold and silver medals in the same event, demonstrating the spirit of Hong Kong, China athletes. Yeung Hiu-lam and Leung Yuk-wing fought hard and showed great resilience in their respective finals, each earning a silver medal. John Loung remained resilient in the bronze medal match and overhauled his opponent in the final end to claim the bronze medal. In swimming, Ng Cheuk-yan broke her personal record and won another silver medal for the swimming team, while Hung Wing-long also performed to his best to win the bronze medal. In fencing, Yu Chui-yee and Tong Nga-ting fought through a series of tight matches to claim two bronze medals for the fencing team. I will continue, together with all Hong Kong people, to cheer on Hong Kong, China athletes. I wish them continued success in the remaining events."

The Hong Kong, China Delegation has so far won 21 medals, namely one gold, eight silver and 12 bronze medals, at the Asian Para Games. The newly added nine medals are as follows:

Gold medal

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Boccia: Women's Individual-BC4

Vivian Lau

Silver medals

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Boccia: Women's Individual-BC2

Yeung Hiu-lam

Boccia: Men's Individual-BC4

Leung Yuk-wing

Boccia: Women's Individual-BC4

Cheung Yuen

Swimming: Women's 50m Butterfly S7

Ng Cheuk-yan

Bronze medals

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Boccia: Men's Individual-BC1

John Loung

Fencing: Women's Epee Individual Category A

Yu Chui-yee

Fencing: Women's Epee Individual Category B

Tong Nga-ting

Swimming: Men's 100m Breaststroke SB14

Hung Wing-long