Paul Chan Mo-po, financial secretary of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government, delivers a speech during the Asian Logistics, Maritime, Aviation Conference 2022 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre on Nov 22, 2022. (CALVIN NG / CHINA DAILY)
With anti-pandemic measures almost fully relaxed, Hong Kong is ready to let the world better understand its strengths by going global and bringing in guests, Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po said in his Sunday blog.
Chan revealed that he will leave for Switzerland on Saturday to attend the World Economic Forum, saying that he will meet with political and business heavyweights from around the world to brief them on Hong Kong’s potential and opportunities.
The finance chief said the focus will be on the latest developments in the city’s finance, innovation and technology sectors, its campaign to compete for enterprises and talents, as well as on cultural tourism.
Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po said the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government will also do its best to “bring in guests” by boosting local events. A case in point is the Asian Financial Forum, which will be held on Wednesday and Thursday in Hong Kong
“In addition to the annual meetings of a series of international organizations in the second half of the year, I will visit Hong Kong’s key markets such as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and Europe,” Chan said. “The Monetary Authority will lead financial delegations to the Middle East and ASEAN this year.”
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He said the special administrative region government will also do its best to “bring in guests” by boosting local events. A case in point is the Asian Financial Forum, which will be held on Wednesday and Thursday in Hong Kong.
Thousands of government, financial, and business leaders are expected to share their insights and explore investment opportunities during the two-day event, Chan said, adding that the forum will once again showcase Hong Kong’s advantages as an international financial and business hub.
The government will also do more to attract tourists, with international cruise ships set to return to Hong Kong from mid-January, Chan added.
Visitors rest and talk on the viewing deck at Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade, Hong Kong on Jan 2, 2023. (PHOTO / CHINADAILYHK.COM)
The finance chief’s latest blog update came as quarantine-free cross-border travel resumes three years into the COVID-19 pandemic.
Since Sunday, 60,000 people per day are allowed to travel each way between Hong Kong and the Chinese mainland via seven control points. Travelers are not required to quarantine but need to provide a negative COVID-19 test result taken within 48 hours of traveling.
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Chan said that the border reopening is the first good news of 2023, and will give great impetus to Hong Kong’s export, tourism, retail, catering, and other industries.
evanliu@chinadailyhk.com