Blog

Late tonight, I will depart for Paris, Brussels and Zurich. My first stop will be Paris, where I will attend the “No Money for Terror” Ministerial Conference on Counter-Terrorism Financing. Thereafter, I will join representatives from more than 80 countries and regions to discuss ways to enhance co-operation, demonstrating Hong Kong’s commitment in this area as an international financial centre. I will also meet representatives of leading European financial institutions, private equity and venture capital funds, as well as family office principals in these cities, with a view to deepening partnerships and attracting investment.

Across the world’s major bay-area economic clusters, the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) is unique in combining three distinctive strengths: cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) research and development, a comprehensive high-end manufacturing ecosystem, and an international financial centre. This powerful combination of “AI + manufacturing + finance” places Hong Kong in an ideal position during the 15th Five-Year Plan period to assume a strategic role and perform two key functions: industrial synergy and regulatory alignment. In particular, Hong Kong can serve as an international gateway for emerging industries seeking to establish a presence in the GBA, as well as a platform for exchange and conversion through which domestic and international standards can be aligned and mutually referenced.

As Hong Kong enters the third day of the Golden Week holiday, the city remains vibrant, with strong foot traffic and a positive business atmosphere. According to Immigration Department figures, more than 602,000 visitors entered Hong Kong through various control points in the first two days of May, representing a 6% year-on-year increase. Over the past few days, streets, shopping malls and country parks have been bustling with visitors and local residents alike. Many retailers and restaurants expect solid business performance during this Golden Week holiday period.