Hong Kong is set to host the annual meeting of Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) finance ministers on October 20 and 21 at the Convention and Exhibition Centre in Wan Chai, marking the first time the city has welcomed the event. The gathering will focus on four main priorities: fiscal policies supporting livelihoods, financing digital infrastructure, inclusive finance, and developing young financial talent, according to Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po.
Around 500 participants, including finance ministers and senior officials from APEC’s 21 member economies, are expected to attend the meeting. Chan emphasized that these themes align with Hong Kong’s strengths as an international financial center and provide an opportunity to contribute actively to regional economic development. He noted that hosting the meeting underscored the central government’s strong backing of Hong Kong’s status in the Asia-Pacific financial landscape.
Among the initiatives highlighted by Chan was the Monetary Authority’s Commercial Data Interchange platform, which enables small and medium-sized enterprises to grant banks pre-approved access to their operational data. This aims to streamline loan approval processes and address financing challenges faced by smaller businesses. He also pointed to Hong Kong’s potential to enhance collaboration between APEC governments, financial institutions, investors, and technology companies, with public resources guiding greater market capital mobilization for the development of the regional digital economy and artificial intelligence sectors.
In addition to the four key agenda items, Chan outlined Hong Kong’s role as a hub for international insurance and risk management, which is increasingly important amid rising climate risks. He cited the city’s insurance-linked securities, captive insurance companies, and Marine Specialty Risk Pool as areas poised for regional partnership.
Hong Kong’s leadership in green finance was a further focus. With approximately US$3.8 billion in green and sustainable bonds issued in 2025, the city retained its position as Asia’s top bond market in this category for the eighth consecutive year. Chan highlighted efforts to train students and young professionals in green finance, asset and wealth management, and fintech through internships and educational programs, supporting the development of future talent familiar with regional markets and emerging industries.
Over 150 young volunteers have been enlisted to assist throughout the APEC meeting, providing them with practical experience and allowing visitors to engage with the city’s youth.
Chan also noted that the meeting coincides with the reopening of the revamped Huanggang Port border crossing, symbolizing Hong Kong’s strengthening regional economic ties through infrastructure and major events. The finance chief expressed expectations that delegates will gain insight into the city’s latest advancements in innovation, technology, and urban development, alongside exposure to its cultural and artistic vibrancy.
China is hosting APEC for 2026, with the leaders’ summit scheduled for November in Shenzhen. Hong Kong’s hosting of the finance ministers’ meeting forms part of the broader series of events aimed at fostering regional economic cooperation.