Global Financial Leaders Convene in Hong Kong for Growth Discussions

The 18th Asian Financial Forum has brought together 3,600 policymakers, business leaders, investors, and scholars in Hong Kong, marking the region's first major finance event in 2025. With the theme "Powering the Next Growth Engine," the forum featured high-level discussions and insights from 130 elite speakers on global financial markets and investment opportunities. A significant highlight was the introduction of the Gulf Cooperation Council Chapter to enhance collaboration with Middle East markets.

Hong Kong's Chief Executive, John Lee, emphasized the city's role as an international financial hub, benefiting from "one country, two systems." Pan Gongsheng of the People's Bank of China outlined key support areas, including Hong Kong's role as an offshore Renminbi hub and an international asset management center.

Financial Secretary Paul Chan cited Hong Kong's competitive funding landscape and innovative strategies. Discussions included economic insights from Professor Justin Yifu Lin and a focus on innovation as a growth solution.

The forum's GCC Chapter milestone spotlights potential bilateral cooperation in green finance and Islamic finance, with aspirations for mutual prosperity emphasized by GCC's Secretary General, Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi.