Hong Kong FinTech Week kicks off, spotlighting city's role as global innovation hub

The Hong Kong FinTech Week 2026 opened Monday, bringing together participants worldwide to exchange insights, showcase innovation, and foster strategic business partnerships.

Approximately 1,000 government leaders and fintech professionals from more than 100 countries and regions, alongside over 800 exhibitors and startups as well as more than 30 delegations from the Chinese mainland and overseas, are participating in the five-day event, now in its 11th edition.

This year, the Hong Kong FinTech Week is joining forces with StartmeupHK, an initiative by the city's investment promotion agency InvestHK, to showcase the future of finance and innovation.

Organizers said the event leverages Hong Kong's unique advantages as an international gateway and "super-connector," linking technology leaders, startups, investors, and policymakers to deepen market reach and build a bridge of opportunity between the Chinese mainland and international markets.

Addressing the opening ceremony, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Chief Executive John Lee said amid global market uncertainty, Hong Kong's greatest advantage lies in the certainty it offers businesses and investors in the long term.

He pointed to the city's inaugural Five-Year Plan (2026-2030), published in September, which sets out a clear roadmap for consolidating Hong Kong's status as an international financial, shipping and trade center while accelerating its development as an international innovation and technology hub and a destination for high-caliber talent.

Hong Kong FinTech Week kicks off, spotlighting city's role as global innovation hub

China is advancing the institutional operation of the World Artificial Intelligence (AI) Cooperation Organization, with 38 countries having joined as founding members, an official from the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) said at a press conference.

Wang Ruomeng, deputy director-general of the NDRC's Department of Innovation and High Technology Development, said China will implement the Global AI Governance Initiative and strengthen policy exchanges and practical cooperation with all parties based on the principles of mutual respect and mutual benefit.

Wang said China will firmly promote the open-source and inclusive development of AI and encourage all countries to build intelligent systems that align with their own cultural characteristics and development needs.

"China is advancing the institutional operation of the World AI Cooperation Organization, with 38 countries having joined as founding members. We will strengthen coordination with all parties on AI development strategies, governance rules and technical standards, and work to deliver a batch of practical and accessible cooperation outcomes as soon as possible," he said.

38 countries have joined as founding members of World AI Cooperation Organization: official