APEC Finance Ministers’ Meeting 2026 successfully held in Hong Kong | |
The two-day Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Finance Ministers’ Meeting (FMM) 2026 concluded successfully in Hong Kong on October 21, with a joint statement reaffirming the commitment to build an open, dynamic and resilient and peaceful Asia-Pacific community by 2040. Discussions focused on economic outlook, fiscal policies, digital infrastructure financing, financial inclusion, and financial talent. Addressing the discussion sessions, Financial Secretary Paul Chan highlighted that financial inclusion requires safe, affordable and reliable financial services for individuals and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Citing Hong Kong’s Commercial Data Interchange, he pointed out how data sharing improves credit assessment and SME financing, emphasising the importance of consumer protection, sound data governance and clear accountability. He also affirmed Hong Kong’s support for continuing the Young Financial Talents Dialogue in 2027.
At a welcome dinner, Chief Executive John Lee reaffirmed Hong Kong’s commitment to free trade and financial development, highlighting the Northern Metropolis as a future innovation and technology hub, and strengthening collaboration with Shenzhen and the Greater Bay Area. China’s Minister of Finance Lan Fo’an called for stronger multilateralism, and deeper fiscal and financial affairs co-operation to promote regional economic and financial stability and sustainable growth, highlighting opportunities in digital and green transformation, artificial intelligence (AI), low-carbon development, stable supply chains and regional economic integration. The meeting showcased Hong Kong’s strengths as an international financial centre, and its “super connector” and “super value-adder” roles in advancing regional cooperation.
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| Financial Secretary attends IMF and World Bank meetings | Financial Secretary Paul Chan attended the Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank Group (WBG) in Bangkok, October 15 – 17. At a joint IMF-Hong Kong Monetary Authority round-table (Oct 15), Mr Chan outlined how Hong Kong could connect Middle Eastern and Central Asian economies with international capital markets, mobilise long-term investment, expand RMB financing and manage currency and climate risks. During a Bloomberg fireside chat (Oct 16), Mr Chan outlined Hong Kong’s First Five-Year Plan, aligned with the National 15th Five-Year Plan, emphasising financial services, innovation and technology, and deeper Greater Bay Area integration. He reaffirmed Hong Kong’s commitment to strengthening international financial connectivity, expanding offshore renminbi business and attracting global capital and talent. At a Atlantic Council fireside chat, Mr Chan highlighted developments in Hong Kong’s financial markets and how its first five-year plan will advance innovation and technology (I&T), integrate education, technology, talent and industries in the Northern Metropolis, and deepen I&T co-operation with other bay area cities. While in Bangkok, Mr Chan also met with financial officials from various economies and senior executives of the IMF, the WBG and international financial firms to exchange views on the global and regional economic and financial situations. | | “ART” Framework launched to promote responsible AI adoption | The Hong Kong Monetary Authority launched (Oct 15) the “ART” Framework, focusing on Accountability, Resilience and Trust in fostering an AI-enabled banking ecosystem and support the responsible adoption of AI in the banking sector. Key initiatives include updated supervisory guidance informed by the second cohort of the Generative AI (GenAI) Sandbox; an AI training data sharing platform in collaboration with Cyberport and the University of Hong Kong; and further testing of agentic AI applications through the GenAI Sandbox++; and a proposed supervisory framework for agentic AI governance. | |
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| Hong Kong announces 18 latest strategic enterprises | Financial Secretary Paul Chan welcomed 18 strategic enterprises establishing or expanding their operations in Hong Kong, including US-based blockchain infrastructure company Solana, at a signing ceremony hosted by the Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises (OASES) on October 22, bringing the total number of OASES enterprises to 142. Mr Chan said these enterprises are expected to bring in some US$10.7 billion (HK$84 billion) of investment and create about 27,000 jobs. Total investment has exceeded expectations by 30%, while the jobs created rose by 34%. Businesses span advanced manufacturing, new energy, AI, life and health technology, with combined market capitalisations or valuations exceeding US$12.8 billion (HK$100 billion). Mr Chan said the government will support these enterprises by connecting finance, research, talent and industry, while advancing innovation and technology under Hong Kong’s First Five-Year Plan. | | Hong Kong FinTech Week x StartmeupHK 2026 to be held from Nov 2 - 6 | Hong Kong will host Hong Kong FinTech Week x StartmeupHK 2026 from November 2 to 6, bringing together more than 45,000 participants from over 120 economies, alongside more than 1,000 speakers, 800 exhibitors and start-ups. Themed “Fintech Nexus: Bridging the World, Building the Future”, the event will showcase Hong Kong’s fintech capabilities, gold and commodity markets, and role linking international markets with Asia’s liquidity. Aligned with the city’s First Five-Year Plan, the event will focus on AI-driven innovation, “Finance+” and global business expansion, including forums on AI, digital assets, green technology and financial innovation, alongside start-up initiatives, business matching and international delegations. The Global Fast Track programme has received more than 700 applications, supporting high-growth start-ups and scale-ups seeking to accelerate commercialisation and international expansion. Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury Christopher Hui highlighted progress made in tokenised finance, including a record US$2.56 billion (HK$20 billion) equivalent digital green bond issuance, growing adoption of tokenised deposits and the licensing of two stablecoin issuers. He said the government will leverage “Finance+” and “AI+” to strengthen Hong Kong’s global financial centre status and drive innovation. | |
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| Hong Kong continues to score high in Rule of Law Index | Hong Kong’s overall ranking in the Rule of Law Index 2026 remains strong, placing 6th in East Asia and the Pacific, and 24th out of 143 countries and jurisdictions globally, with scores largely unchanged from last year. The city continues to maintain its position within the top 10 globally in respect of “Absence of Corruption” and “Order and Security”, with the global ranking in relation to “Order and Security” rising to 7th. Rankings for “Constraints on Government Powers” and “Civil Justice” remained unchanged, while “Open Government” and “Regulatory Enforcement” were broadly stable. In an October 21 statement, the HKSAR Government noted the city’s overall ranking remained ahead of some Western countries, attributing the rankings to the successful implementation of the Hong Kong National Security Law, the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance and other relevant laws, which have strengthened security and maintained an excellent environment for business and investment. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government reiterated that under “one country, two systems” principle and the Basic Law, Hong Kong protects human rights through a robust legal framework and an open judicial system. | | IOMed marks first anniversary with expanded global reach | The International Organization for Mediation (IOMed) celebrated its first anniversary on October 20, with an expansion of its international membership from 33 to 48 signatories and from eight to 18 Contracting States. The Hong Kong-based body has also resolved multiple cases in its first year. Speaking at the first-year celebration, Chief Executive John Lee reaffirmed the HKSAR Government’s commitment to supporting IOMed and promoting the city as a global mediation hub. Initiatives include incorporating mediation into government contracts, exploring a specialist commodity trading mediator panel, and expanding training and opportunities for young professionals. The first IOMed Forum will be held in Hong Kong on December 8. | |
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| New non-permanent judge appointed to Court of Final Appeal | Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee has accepted the recommendation to appoint the Honourable Sir Terence Arnold as a non-permanent judge from another common law jurisdiction of the Court of Final Appeal. The appointment, recommended by the Judicial Officers Recommendation Commission, is subject to the endorsement of the Legislative Council. With the appointment of Sir Terence Arnold, the list of non-permanent judges from other common law jurisdictions will consist of six eminent judges from the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand. This will provide greater flexibility in dealing with the caseload of the Court of Final Appeal. | | New York ETO promotes talent opportunities at Yale and Penn | The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in New York (New York ETO) continues to promote the Top Talent Pass Scheme and the “Study in Hong Kong” brand on college campuses this month – at Yale University on October 8, and the University of Pennsylvania (Penn) on October 14. About 80 students attended the two information sessions, where Director of New York ETO, Maisie Ho, highlighted Hong Kong’s fundamental strengths, including the Linked Exchange Rate System, the common law system, and membership of the World Trade Organization and Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation. She also pointed to thriving sectors spanning technology, professional services, logistics and healthcare, each offering rich opportunities for graduates and alumni with global ambitions. Ms Ho also met with representatives from Yale China Association and Penn Global, as well as current Yale and Penn students who are awardees of the Hong Kong Scholarship for Excellence Scheme. | | Cantonese-learning students learn more about development and talent opportunities in Hong Kong | On October 21 and 22, the New York ETO welcomed around 50 students from Columbia University and New York University, who are taking Cantonese courses. The visits gave them the opportunity to learn more about Hong Kong. Director of New York ETO, Maisie Ho, shared the latest developments in Hong Kong, highlighting the city’s fundamental strengths, including the Linked Exchange Rate System, the common law system and thriving sectors such as technology, professional services, logistics and healthcare. Hong Kong’s talent admission schemes, highlighting opportunities for young talent to pursue their careers in Hong Kong were also introduced. During the Q&A sessions, students actively engaged with the speakers and raised questions about Hong Kong’s development and opportunities. | | |
| Hong Kong athletes shine at the 2026 Asian Para Games | The Hong Kong, China delegation delivered an excellent performance at this year’s Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Para Games, held from October 18 – 24, winning a total of 41 medals, comprising three gold medals, 14 silver medals and 24 bronze medals. The delegation also achieved its best-ever historical result in boccia, securing two gold, three silver, and three bronze medals. These remarkable achievements mark a significant and splendid milestone in the development of para sports in Hong Kong. Chief Executive John Lee congratulated the athletes on their remarkable achievements and commended them for their outstanding performance and noble sportsmanship. | | |
The Basic Law (BL) is the constitutional document of the HKSAR. It provides the guarantees to maintain our existing way of life, including socio-economic development, the rights and duties of Hong Kong people, the rule of law and other areas. The Basic Law was put into effect on July 1, 1997.
Q: Do Hong Kong people have the freedom to choose their work or studies?
A: Yes, according to Basic Law Articles 33 and 34, Hong Kong residents are guaranteed to enjoy the freedom of choice of occupation, as well as the freedom to engage in academic research, literary and artistic creation, and other cultural activities. (BL Articles 33; 34)
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