Hong Kong's Deputy Financial Secretary, Christopher Hui, announced at the Lunar New Year market opening ceremony of the Hong Kong Gold Exchange that the government is fully committed to establishing Hong Kong as an international gold trading center. The initiative aims to diversify the city's international financial services by attracting gold spot storage, clearing, and settlement activities. This effort is expected to stimulate related sectors such as investment in derivative products, warehousing, insurance, trade, and logistics.

The government will continue to enhance policy frameworks, financial infrastructure, and technological innovation to attract more international capital and talent. These steps are intended to strengthen Hong Kong's role as a super-connector and value-adder, aligning with national development strategies under the 15th Five-Year Plan and reinforcing the city's status as a global financial hub.

Hui stated that the target is to exceed 2,000 tons of gold storage within three years, positioning Hong Kong as a regional gold storage hub. The government is also encouraging gold merchants to establish or expand refineries in Hong Kong. A memorandum of cooperation has been signed with the Shenzhen Local Financial Regulatory Bureau to support Hong Kong gold traders in using gold refining facilities in Shenzhen. Under this arrangement, refined gold can be exported to Hong Kong for trading and settlement purposes. Additionally, efforts will be intensified to promote collaboration between the Shanghai and Hong Kong gold markets.

A government-funded gold clearing system in Hong Kong is scheduled to begin trial operations within the year.