The 18th Asian Financial Forum (AFF) concluded yesterday, bringing together approximately 3,600 policymakers, business leaders, investors, and scholars from around the world.
Held under the theme Powering the Next Growth Engine, the two-day event provided a platform for high-level discussions, deal-making, and networking opportunities.
The AFF featured insights from over 130 distinguished speakers, offering perspectives on the latest developments in global financial markets and investment opportunities.
In his opening remarks, Hong Kong’s chief executive John Lee emphasised the city’s status as a leading international financial centre.
Governor of the People’s Bank of China (PBOC), Pan Gongsheng, reiterated Hong Kong’s pivotal role as an international financial centre, emphasising the strong support of the Central Government and the leadership of the HKSAR Government.
During the first keynote luncheon, Hong Kong’s financial secretary Paul Chan underlined the city’s competitive edge, including a full range of funding options catering to the diverse needs of governments and enterprises at different development stages. He also highlighted innovative financial strategies such as securitisation of infrastructure loans and catastrophe bonds.
Justin Yifu Lin, former chief economist and senior vice president of the World Bank, delivered the main Keynote Luncheon speech, offering valuable insights on the shifting global economic landscape, its impact on the international markets, and China’s evolving role in the world.
A key highlight of this year’s Forum was the launch of the inaugural Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Chapter, marking a significant milestone in financial services collaboration between Hong Kong and the GCC countries.
During the debut GCC Chapter, Hong Kong’s secretary for financial services and the treasury, Christopher Hui, identified green finance, securities markets, Islamic finance, and asset and wealth management as areas with enormous potential for bilateral cooperation. Additionally, secretary general of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf, Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, stressed the GCC’s aspiration to enhance dialogue and cooperation to achieve mutual prosperity.
