China will introduce additional measures as needed to support Hong Kong's development as an international financial center and to help the city foster a freer and more open economic environment, Vice-Premier He Lifeng said on Tuesday (Nov 3, 2026) in a video address to the fifth Global Financial Leaders' Investment Summit in Hong Kong.
He said national financial authorities have rolled out a series of steps this year aimed at reinforcing Hong Kong's role, including support for mainland companies seeking listings in Hong Kong, deepening mutual market access, and strengthening offshore renminbi (RMB) liquidity. He added that relevant departments will implement the policies effectively, and that they will introduce further measures "in a timely manner" when necessary.
He also urged Hong Kong to leverage the advantages of "one country, two systems" to build a higher-standard, free, and open economic environment and to strengthen economic, technological, and cultural ties with the rest of the world to create more opportunities for international investors, institutions, and talent.
Mainland financial regulators used the summit to outline plans to deepen cooperation with Hong Kong, with a focus on offshore RMB business, capital-market connectivity, and cross-border investment and financing.
Zou Lan, deputy governor of the People's Bank of China, said Hong Kong—described as the world's largest offshore RMB business center—stands to benefit from continued opening up of the mainland's financial markets and growing international use of the currency, especially as global investors seek greater diversification. He said authorities will work to consolidate Hong Kong's position as an offshore RMB hub and support the development of a deeper pool of RMB assets in the city.
On market connectivity, Li Chao, vice-chairman of the China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC), said the regulator will further facilitate cross-border investment and financing and accelerate work to include RMB stock trading counters and real estate investment trusts (REITs) in the Stock Connect programs linking mainland exchanges with Hong Kong. The CSRC will also continue supporting mainland companies seeking Hong Kong listings as they expand overseas, he said.
Meanwhile, Li Hongyan, deputy head of the State Administration of Foreign Exchange (SAFE), said SAFE has issued two draft policy packages for public consultation—one aimed at better meeting foreign trade firms' settlement needs, and another focused on easing cross-border investment and financing. She said the proposed measures are intended to help companies participate more effectively in international trade and cooperation while injecting fresh momentum into Hong Kong's development as a global financial center.
The three-day summit in Hong Kong brought together about 280 global financial leaders, including around 120 group chairpersons and chief executive officers, according to the organizers.
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