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Deepening Hong Kong's International Connectivity on All Fronts

Over the past week, Hong Kong continued to host a number of major international conferences spanning the economic, financial, shipping, and convention and exhibition sectors. These conferences attracted large attendance, with some drawing over 10,000 participants. Industry leaders and senior corporate executives from around the world gathered in the city to exchange views and engage in in-depth discussions on the industry's concerns and its future development. These discussions have helped both the local and overseas industry players get a good grasp of the latest information and development trends, while reinforcing and enhancing Hong Kong's role as an international exchange platform. They have also facilitated cross-border and cross-sectoral collaboration and enabled participants to better understand Hong Kong's current situation and its latest developments in relevant sectors.

For instance, a global economic conference hosted by an international financial media outlet brought together hundreds of local and international leaders in the financial, business, and innovation and technology sectors. The forum explored future development in terms of finance, the economy, technological innovation, talent, etc. At the conference, I pointed out that the ever-changing international geopolitical landscape had presented new opportunities for Hong Kong. As an international financial centre connecting the Chinese Mainland and global markets, Hong Kong is evolving from a springboard for international companies entering the Mainland market to a multifunctional two-way platform for both the Mainland and overseas enterprises to access each other's markets. This evolution has been enriching Hong Kong's role as an international financial centre and highlighted its distinctive functions.

Speaking at a conference jointly organised by the Financial Times and the Sino Group last week.

Amid geopolitical tensions, global investors are reassessing the risks in their asset portfolios, adjusting investment strategies, and diversifying risks. Hong Kong has emerged as a safe destination for capital. Following a 7% increase last year, total bank deposits in Hong Kong have grown by over 10% this year to over HK$19 trillion. Hong Kong's leading position in initial public offering (IPO) fundraising in the world, its thriving wealth management industry, and deepening financial co-operation with global partners all reflect international capital's preference for the Hong Kong market. Several major IPOs launched this year have attracted cornerstone investors from the West and the Middle East. Many international financial leaders attending conferences in Hong Kong recently have indicated their plans to expand their teams and operations in Hong Kong.

In the shipping and trade sector, in face of rising unilateralism, the restructuring of global supply and industrial chains has accelerated, and China's economic and trade relations with ASEAN and the Global South have also deepened. Against this background, Hong Kong's exports of goods have not only withstood the impact of tariff wars but also recorded year-on-year growth for 19 consecutive months. In the first three quarters of this year, total exports of goods rose notably by 11.3% in volume terms.

To seize new opportunities in the maritime industry amid global shifts, we are actively promoting Hong Kong's maritime strengths worldwide. One key event was the Hong Kong Maritime Week 2025, held last week, which is one of the industry's flagship events this year.

Speaking at the Hong Kong Global Maritime Trade Summit, one of the events of the Hong Kong Maritime Week 2025.

Engaging with overseas guests attending the Hong Kong Global Maritime Trade Summit.

This year marked the 9th edition of the Maritime Week, which set a record by attracting over 18,000 participants from around the world. During the event, we announced the first batch of strategic partner ports in the Chinese Mainland and Belt and Road regions, witnessed the official establishment of the Hong Kong P&I Club, and facilitated two industry cooperation agreements — all of which are milestones in advancing Hong Kong as an international maritime centre and promoting global industry collaboration.

Take maritime insurance as an example: while 11 P&I Clubs already operate in Hong Kong, the newly established Hong Kong P&I Club is the first of such headquartered locally. This further strengthens Hong Kong's maritime insurance ecosystem, boosts industry communication, and deepens collaboration in various maritime sectors. It also enhances the industry's adaptability and resilience in today's complex geopolitical environment.

We will continue working with the industry to solidify Hong Kong's international port advantages and promote the upgrade and transformation of the maritime sector. This includes developing high value-added maritime services, promoting more commodity trading, expanding into new markets and further applying innovative technologies. Moreover, we will closely follow global trends and work with the industry to drive the digitalisation, greening, and intelligentisation of Hong Kong's ports. Our goal is to build a green smart port, making Hong Kong a strategic hub for global maritime innovation and tech application.

Speaking at the UFI Global Congress 2025.

Attending the opening ceremony of the UFI Global Congress 2025.

Another notable event last week was the UFI Global Congress 2025 held at the AsiaWorld-Expo. As this year marks the 100th anniversary of the UFI, the return of this major international event to Hong Kong after 25 years symbolises the global recognition of Hong Kong's status as an international MICE (meetings, incentive travels, conventions and exhibitions) hub. The four-day congress brought together over 600 decision-makers in the exhibition industry from more than 50 countries and regions worldwide, including the Chinese Mainland, the Asia-Pacific region, Europe, the US and the Middle East, to explore innovation and collaboration opportunities for the industry.

In fact, the core of the exhibition industry lies in building business connections and promoting global trade in products and services. Hong Kong boasts extensive international connectivity, with over 1,100 daily flights to and from more than 200 destinations worldwide. Its favourable business environment has led many exhibition industry players and major international event organisers to regard it as a strategic hub. In recent years, events like Art Basel, the Hong Kong Sevens and LIV Golf have established partnership with Hong Kong. Last year, over 350 events were held at the AsiaWorld-Expo and the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, attracting more than 9 million participants. This year, with the increase in the number of both the Mainland and overseas visitors, the outlook for the convention and exhibition sector is even brighter. When co-ordinating major events, the HKSAR Government and industry stakeholders will try to make arrangements for such events to be held in succession, thereby creating greater synergistic effects and economic benefits.

While continuing to expand into emerging markets, we are also committed to strengthening ties with traditional ones. This is a core strategy for enhancing Hong Kong's competitive edge as an international city. Early this week, I will visit London in the UK and Milan in Italy to attend major events organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council. There, I will explain Hong Kong's strengths, new developments and emerging opportunities to local businesses and political leaders, engage in exchanges on matters of interest to both sides to deepen mutual understanding, and explore further opportunities for win-win co-operation.

Visiting the Office of the Government Economist and calling on the colleagues there to vote in the Legislative Council Election on December 7.

Visiting the Transport Department's office in Wan Chai and calling on the colleagues there to vote in the Legislative Council Election on December 7.

At this crucial juncture when Hong Kong is fully committed to fostering economic growth and pursuing development, we need more dedicated, capable and visionary representatives in the legislature to work with us in driving Hong Kong towards greater prosperity. To select the right persons to serve Hong Kong, please encourage your family, friends and colleagues to join you and vote in the Legislative Council Election on December 7.

November 23, 2025