Hong Kong is set to host the 33rd Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Finance Ministerial Meeting starting Tuesday, bringing together about 500 financial policymakers and representatives from international organizations for two days of discussions.
Ahead of the meeting, Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu met on Monday with Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) President Zou Jiayi, who is visiting the special administrative region for the event. The two exchanged views with officials on ways to further strengthen regional financial cooperation.
Christopher Hui Ching-yu, Hong Kong's Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, said participants include finance ministers and senior financial officials from APEC member economies, as well as representatives from the World Bank Group, the International Monetary Fund, and the Asian Development Bank.
Hui said the ministerial gathering is expected to help shape fiscal and financial deliverables for the 33rd APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting, scheduled to be held in Shenzhen, Guangdong province, next month.
China, hosting APEC for the third time, has set "Building an Asia-Pacific Community to Prosper Together" as this year's theme, with openness, innovation, and cooperation identified as key priorities. Local officials and academics said they hope the finance ministers' meeting—involving the 21 APEC member economies—will bolster regional collaboration and deepen international engagement.
Clement Woo Kin-man, undersecretary for constitutional and mainland affairs, said cooperation, peace, and security are essential foundations for economic growth amid profound global changes, adding that discussions on economic and social development are expected to send a positive message worldwide.
Wang Yanbo, an associate professor at the University of Hong Kong's Business School, said holding the meeting in Hong Kong reflects confidence in opening up and more profound engagement with the global community and provides an opportunity to explore closer integration between finance and technological innovation.
A senior official from the Ministry of Finance said China has proposed four discussion areas: fiscal policies that support livelihoods; financing for digital infrastructure; tailored approaches to advancing inclusive financial development; and exchange programs for young financial talent.
Hui, who chairs a high-level steering committee established earlier this year, said the HKSAR government has been coordinating cross-departmental preparations and working closely with the Ministry of Finance on arrangements. Alongside the formal sessions, Hong Kong will also host related events, including a welcome dinner, seminars, study visits, and city tours.
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