Hong Kong Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po arrived in London on November 25 (local time) for an official visit, meeting with representatives of family offices from Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. He highlighted Hong Kong's investment advantages in finance and innovation technology, its ecosystem for philanthropy and impact investing, as well as its high-quality living environment, encouraging them to establish offices in the city. Chan also held discussions with a financial institution planning to expand operations in Hong Kong.
Later, Chan delivered a keynote speech at the "Hong Kong Dinner" hosted by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, briefing British political and business leaders on Hong Kong's latest developments and opportunities. He emphasized that "one country, two systems" remains the cornerstone of Hong Kong's prosperity and stability, with its robust legal system and common law framework widely recognized internationally.
Chan noted that over the past year, sustained capital inflows and multinational corporate expansions in Hong Kong reflect global confidence in its business environment. For instance, the Hang Seng Index has risen approximately 30% this year after an 18% gain last year, while Hong Kong leads global IPO fundraising. Growing asset management scales and bank deposits further attract international financial institutions.
Chan highlighted thriving bilateral trade and investment between Hong Kong and the UK, alongside cultural exchanges. He also introduced the Northern Metropolis as a key innovation hub, with accelerated infrastructure development and flexible planning policies to attract businesses. The Shenzhen-Hong Kong Loop area will foster cross-border innovation, facilitating free flow of capital, talent, goods, data, and biological samples—appealing particularly to AI and biotech firms.
Concluding his remarks, Chan expressed optimism about Hong Kong's prospects and invited more British enterprises and professionals to invest and develop careers in the city. His itinerary continues in London on November 26 before proceeding to Milan, Italy.