The two-day main conference of the Hong Kong FinTech Week x StartmeupHK Festival 2025 concluded today.

Running from November 3 to 4, the event brought together government officials, regulators, fintech innovators, entrepreneurs, investors and industry leaders from around the world for a series of forward-looking panels, keynote speeches and policy discussions.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of both Hong Kong FinTech Week and the StartmeupHK Festival, a testament to Hong Kong’s commitment to advancing the digital economy and strengthening its position as a global centre for fintech and startup growth.

Officiating at the opening of the main conference, Chief Executive John Lee said: “Hong Kong is made for collaboration and built for innovation - for companies, entrepreneurs, investors and professionals.”

In this year’s World Investment Report, Hong Kong moved up to third place overall in foreign direct investment inflows. Meanwhile, Hong Kong’s fundraising achievements at initial public offerings underlined the city’s revitalised status as the world’s premier listing and capital-raising venue.

Mr Lee highlighted: “These and other international kudos reflect Hong Kong’s status as a 'super connector' and a 'super value-adder'. We help to link the markets from China, our country, with those around the globe. We help startups go from local prototypes to global success.”

At a panel discussion, Financial Secretary Paul Chan shared his views on Hong Kong’s strategic vision for financial innovation, emphasising the vast potential of digitalisation as well as the role of the city’s regulators in enabling this.

Separately, in a keynote speech on day two, Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Algernon Yau noted that over the past decade, Hong Kong's startup ecosystem nearly tripled to 4,700, showing a year-on-year increase of 10%.

“The city’s entrepreneurial spirit, global connectivity and cross-border synergies make it a fertile ground for innovative ideas to grow and industries to transform,” Mr Yau remarked.

The integration of the StartmeupHK Festival with Hong Kong FinTech Week this year created a mega platform for entrepreneurs and investors to connect. Startups across Asia, the Chinese Mainland, Europe and the Middle East joined pitching sessions, venture showcases and ecosystem dialogues, enabling direct engagement with global venture capital and corporate innovation teams. The main conference featured 11 themed forums, spanning topics from artificial intelligence, digital assets, healthtech to innovation.

Affiliated events will be held across the city through November 7.

The Government today announced that Deputy Secretary for Financial Services & the Treasury (Treasury) Bruno Luk will take up the post of Land Registrar on November 6. He will succeed Joyce Tam, who will proceed on pre-retirement leave on the same day.

Secretary for the Civil Service Ingrid Yeung commented that Mr Luk is a seasoned administrative officer with proven leadership and management skills.

“I have every confidence that he will continue to serve the community with professionalism in his new capacity.”

On the retirement of Joyce Tam, Mrs Yeung highlighted that as Land Registrar Ms Tam demonstrated exemplary leadership in steering the continuous enhancement of the land registration system.

Mrs Yeung added that Ms Tam spearheaded the legislative progress of the Registration of Titles & Land (Miscellaneous Amendments) Bill 2025, which lays a solid foundation for the implementation of the title registration system.

The civil service chief wished Ms Tam a fulfilling and happy retirement.

I still remember that when I addressed the inaugural Summit in 2022, a time when the world was emerging from the COVID-19 pandemic, I said the event showed that Hong Kong was onstage again.

Three years on, I am proud to say that Hong Kong now shines on the global stage, radiating prosperity, confidence and much-needed reassurance.

Do not just take my word for it. In September, the Canadian-based Fraser Institute ranked Hong Kong as the freest economy in the world – that is number one in economic freedom. Also this September, the Swiss-based International Institute for Management Development (IMD), in its World Talent Ranking, rated us fourth in the world and first in Asia – our highest-ever ranking in the report.

Still with the IMD, Hong Kong finished third in its World Competitiveness Yearbook this year, up two places from 2024. And in the Global Financial Centres Index, we placed third in the world, just one point back of London, and two behind New York.

Ladies and gentlemen, you are here, some 300 global financial leaders from all over the world, including more than 100 group chairpersons and CEOs, to see Hong Kong for yourselves. You are here, too, to get the latest financial and investment insight and intelligence, from the summit's high-profile speakers, and to network with a world of like-minded aficionados of finance.

I am sure you enjoyed last night's Welcome Dinner at the Hong Kong Palace Museum, where East meets West in a dazzling integration of modern architecture and traditional Chinese cultural elements. Because more than global rankings, Hong Kong also dazzles with cultural diversity.

The theme of this 2025 Summit, "Trekking through Shifting Terrain", resonates with yet another facet of Hong Kong's inimitable appeal. I am talking about our remarkable network of prized hiking trails. You can explore them in our 25 country parks, covering about 40% of Hong Kong's total land area. Waiting for you, and your hiking boots.

Trekking through trails, marked and unmarked, shares a good many similarities with what financial leaders – all of you here today –  face every day in this time of geopolitical uncertainty, market volatility and headlong technological advance.

I am here to tell you that there's firm footing in Hong Kong, your steadfast partner. We offer certainty and clarity, together with confidence and opportunity, for global investors and businesses seeking to diversify their assets and minimise risks.

For the next few minutes, allow me to put a spotlight on two elements of compelling interest to all of you here: our financial markets and fintech.

Hong Kong's financial markets remain vibrant, despite the uncertain global outlook. Our stock market has soared over 30%, year-to-date, while average daily turnover has exceeded US$32 billion, nearly double that of last year.

In the first ten months of the year, Hong Kong recorded 80 initial public offerings (IPOs), raising over US$26 billion – and that, I am pleased to say, puts us number one in IPO fundraising worldwide.

To maintain the momentum, we are pressing ahead with reforms to the listing regime, enabling the financing of overseas companies, enhancing trading and risk management efficiency, and promoting the trading of stocks in renminbi.

In September, we published a Roadmap for the Development of Fixed Income & Currency Markets. It is designed to attract primary market issuance, boost secondary market liquidity, expand our offshore renminbi business, and develop next-generation infrastructure.

It will offer global investors more choices, as they seek to re-allocate assets, and help companies raise funds in these mutable times.

Meanwhile, Hong Kong is poised to become the world's largest cross-boundary wealth management centre in the next few years. To fast track that development, we are enhancing the preferential tax regimes for funds, single-family offices and carried interest, to make the sector all the more attractive.

We are also pursuing new growth areas, including building an international gold trading market. That rides on the substantial global demand for gold as a hedging investment product and reserve asset.

Then there is financial technology. Blockchain and artificial intelligence are reshaping financial markets at an unprecedented pace. They can bring tangible benefits to financial markets and the real economy, enhancing efficiency and reducing transaction costs.

Hong Kong is home to more than 1,200 fintech companies. In September's Global Financial Centres Index, we ranked number one, globally, in fintech.

No surprise to the 37,000 professionals here from more than 100 economies, for Hong Kong Fintech Week and the StartmeupHK Festival, which opened yesterday. It is, by the way, the 10th anniversary editions of both international gatherings, drawing in fintech and startup enthusiasts to our enterprising city.

In June, we published our second policy statement on digital asset development, a refreshed take on our determination to establish Hong Kong as a global hub for digital assets.

We are working with our regulators on a future-proof regulatory regime, key to enabling the healthy and sustainable development of digital assets in Hong Kong.

Licensing aside, our sandboxes allow promising fintech applications to be tested in controlled environments. Among them, Project Ensemble explores the tokenisation of assets, and the development of common industry standards.

The Monetary Authority will promote live transactions of tokenised assets, exploring tokenisation's potential in digital trade and other areas.

Trekking through shifting terrain is not a recommended solitary behaviour, for companies or for economies. It is why I am grateful for the continuing support of market leaders – of all of you here today.

Hong Kong was built on reaching out, on seeking international partnerships and mutual opportunities. Our unique "one country, two systems" framework enables that, allowing Hong Kong to reach out to a world of prospects, while maintaining unparalleled access to China, our country.

I have just returned, this Sunday, from Korea for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting. There, I had the pleasure of representing Hong Kong, China, a full and separate member of APEC, and meeting and working with leaders from a world of economies, to advance the important cause of open trade and multilateralism.

Later today, I will depart for Shanghai to attend the China International Import Expo. Also joining the expo will be 380 Hong Kong companies, which will promote their products and services, and put a bright spotlight on the Hong Kong brand.

The Shanghai trip will also mark the first major promotional event by the newly established GoGlobal Task Force. The task force will make it easy for Mainland companies to find foreign markets and global capital, as the world looks to our country for its quality products and services.

In finance, the term "leverage" refers to the use of borrowed funds for further investments. Here in Hong Kong, we leverage more than funds. We leverage our financial prowess for the benefit of investors, economies and, importantly, humanity.

I am pleased to note that the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) announced, just yesterday, that it will set up an office in Hong Kong. The AIIB is a multilateral development bank that supports developing countries in infrastructure improvements.

As a committed member of the AIIB, Hong Kong will do all we can to support its establishment of an office here. That includes leveraging our vibrant capital markets, world-class professional services, and diversified products. We will also help the AIIB in project financing, bond issuance, investment management, and much more.

These examples, ladies and gentlemen, are more than business missions, meeting dignitaries and commercial operations. They are "one country, two systems" hard at work. They are shining examples of how the principle – how Hong Kong – helps connect the world with the Chinese market.

My thanks to the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, this summit's main organiser, and to each and every one of you for your invaluable presence.

When you are here, do make the most of all that Hong Kong has to offer. That includes the scenic hiking trails I have mentioned. That also includes this very hotel we are at, which I am glad to say has just been crowned number one in the World's 50 Best Hotels ranking. And our many Michelin-starred restaurants and award-winning bars – one of which came first in the World's 50 Best Bars last month, recognised as the world's best bar.

Asia's best, world's best – all here for you to experience. To eat, drink, sleep, and spend some good time in. Some good money in!

Chief Executive John Lee gave these remarks at the Global Financial Leaders' Investment Summit on November 4.

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government welcomed the announcement by Mainland authorities today of a series of new measures to support high-level opening up and high-quality development.

One of these measures is the expansion of application of the exit endorsement for talent to Tianjin, Hebei Province, Jiangsu Province, Zhejiang Province and Anhui Province, as well as all pilot free trade zones across the country from this Wednesday.

Noting that more than 74,000 arrivals in Hong Kong were visitors holding the talent exit endorsement as of last month, the Hong Kong SAR Government said expanding the application of the talent exit endorsement will attract and bring more Mainland talent to Hong Kong for exchanges, thereby enhancing the city's attractiveness in pooling talent and strengthening its unique role as the country's international talent hub.

In addition, facial recognition intelligent exit-entry clearance will be implemented at various ports in the Chinese Mainland, including the Huanggang, Luohu, Liantang, Futian and Wenjindu Ports in Shenzhen, as well as the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Port.

This arrangement allows travellers to complete clearance without presenting their physical travel documents, making cross‑boundary travel more convenient and efficient.

The Hong Kong SAR Government also welcomed the implementation of a series of measures at the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science & Technology Innovation Cooperation Zone’s Shenzhen Park, which facilitate Hong Kong-Shenzhen innovation and technology collaboration and the efficient cross-boundary flow of factors of production. 

At the same time, the Mainland authorities will add four ports connecting Hong Kong as the entry ports under the 240-hour visa-free transit policy. The Hong Kong SAR Government noted it will attract international visitors to take Hong Kong as their entry stop or transit point in their multi-destination travel itineraries to the country, and fully leverage Hong Kong's position as an international tourism hub.

Chief Secretary Chan Kwok-ki today officiated at the unveiling ceremony of the East Kowloon Cultural Centre (EKCC), marking its formal opening.

Addressing the ceremony, Mr Chan said that the EKCC, as a new cultural landmark, is not only a major milestone in the Government's efforts to promote the development of arts and culture, but also represents a key element in consolidating Hong Kong's status as an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchanges.

He also said that the Hall of the EKCC is specifically reserved for long-running performances to facilitate the staging of iconic productions for a longer period of time and foster the sustainable development of the performing arts industry.

The EKCC is the Leisure & Cultural Services Department’s first performance venue committed to promoting world-class integration of arts and technology, equipped with cutting-edge professional stage technology and flexible stage setups to facilitate experimentation and innovation.

It provides five performing facilities with 120 to 1,200 seats -The Hall, which is ideal for large-scale events; The Theatre, with a thrust stage; The Turns, which facilitates full-wall projection; The Beats, equipped with professional audio mixing and amplifying systems; and The Lab, which is a versatile arts technology testbed studio.

From November to February 2026, the EKCC Opening Season will present 17 programmes, including HighLights - The Memories of Charles Kao premiering on November 15.

Chief Executive John Lee will lead a Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government delegation to Shanghai tomorrow and attend the eighth China International Import Expo (CIIE), before returning to Hong Kong on Thursday.

​Mr Lee will attend the opening ceremony of the expo and the Hongqiao International Economic Forum on Wednesday, and will visit the Hong Kong exhibition area to show support for Hong Kong enterprises.

The delegation includes Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Algernon Yau and Director of the Chief Executive's Office Carol Yip.

Mr Lee noted that the CIIE attracts international attention and will feature participation from over 3,200 enterprises across more than 110 countries and regions in the Enterprise & Business Exhibition, offering vast business opportunities for Hong Kong enterprises.

​“Hong Kong has always actively participated in and supported the CIIE. In addition to senior government officials, over 350 Hong Kong enterprises from various industries are exhibiting at the expo this year.

“This record-high participation reflects that Hong Kong enterprises consider the expo the premier platform for tapping into the domestic market and showcasing Hong Kong brands and their innovative strengths.”

The Chief Executive will officiate at the Hong Kong - The Ideal Platform for Mainland Enterprises in Going Global Promotion Conference hosted by the Hong Kong SAR Government.

It will be the first large-scale publicity event on the Mainland organised by the newly-established Task Force on Supporting Mainland Enterprises in Going Global, bringing together cross-sector speakers to highlight the city’s strengths as an international platform for going global.

Mr Lee will also meet Shanghai leaders to deepen Hong Kong-Shanghai co-operation, and engage with people and representatives of Hong Kong enterprises there.

During his absence, Chief Secretary Chan Kwok-ki will be Acting Chief Executive.

Hong Kong has placed significant emphasis on smart transformation and development in recent years – and its efforts have not gone unrecognised. Published recently, the Polytechnic University’s 2025 Smart City Index ranked Hong Kong in eighth position among 73 global cities.

The study analyses smart city development across different cities, with reference to six key dimensions: citizens, environment, social landscape, economy, infrastructure and governance.

Top-ranking city 

On governance, Hong Kong performs particularly strongly in terms of smart city policy and plans, as well as its development of e-government initiatives, ranking number one in these areas.

Additionally, in the area of data transparency, Hong Kong leads on willingness to develop open data and the diversity of its open data categories.

Polytechnic University Smart Cities Research Institute Director John Shi is responsible for the Smart City Index. Commenting on Hong Kong’s high ranking, he said: “This is truly an outstanding achievement – a reflection of Hong Kong’s position as one of the leading smart cities globally.”

According to Mr Shi, Hong Kong’s top strength is its economy: he praised the city’s robust business environment, high-tech supporting systems and overall value.

He also pointed to its good governance, highlighting the city’s advances in e-governance, data openness and initiatives such as the Common Spatial Data Infrastructure Portal, which facilitates data sharing among the public and private sectors. In addition, he said the city’s education, research and innovation sectors are vital elements that support its ongoing development as a smart city.

Enhanced efficiency 

Among the various smart city measures rolled out by the Government, the one most widely accessed by residents is the one-stop personalised digital services platform “iAM Smart”.

Since its launch, over 3.8 million users have registered for iAM Smart, and an average day now involves more than 180,000 interactions with the platform. 

iAM Smart accounts are currently available in two versions: iAM Smart and iAM Smart+. The latter version offers the advantage of a digital signature function. In recent months, new features have been introduced to enhance user convenience. This includes instant bill viewing and expanded support for digital documentation. 

More functions 

Digital Policy Office Senior Systems Manager Ray Cheung said that by downloading the latest version of the iAM Smart app, users can easily check their water bill balances issued by the Water Supplies Department, view speed post bills from Hong Kong Post and make payments using the Faster Payment System.

He stressed that iAM Smart is a key digital infrastructure component, and a key initiative for driving the full digitalisation of online government services and accelerating smart government development.

The Digital Policy Office has in fact been working closely with bureaus and departments to achieve the goal of a single portal for online government services. Moreover, it has been collaborating with the governments of Guangdong Province and Shenzhen to drive the Cross-boundary Public Services initiative, so that residents can access different government services from either side of the boundary.  

Chief Secretary Chan Kwok-ki, together with Secretary for Constitutional & Mainland Affairs Erick Tsang and Secretary for Home & Youth Affairs Alice Mak, today led community outreach efforts to promote the 2025 Legislative Council General Election at a promotional booth outside Kwai Fong MTR station.

Highlighting that the nomination period for the LegCo General Election is underway, Mr Chan urged outstanding individuals who have an affection for the country and Hong Kong, proven capabilities, a sense of responsibility and a passion to serve the public to submit their nominations before the nomination period closes on November 6.

He stressed that each vote in the upcoming LegCo election is very important, and called on all electors to fulfil their civic responsibility by casting their votes to elect legislators who are committed to the good governance, progress and prosperity of Hong Kong, so that people can live and work in contentment.

Mr Chan, Mr Tsang and Miss Mak spoke to the public and distributed promotional leaflets and souvenirs featuring "Ballot Box Family" mascots. They also reminded members of the public to reserve the necessary time to vote on December 7.

The promotional booth event was organised by the Home & Youth Affairs Bureau in collaboration with a youth organisation. The Government will set up more booths in various districts to promote electoral messages, with further participation from principal officials.

Chief Executive John Lee attended the 32nd Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting Retreat in Gyeongju, South Korea, today, engaging in various exchanges with regional leaders on issues including the development of artificial intelligence and demographic change.

Speaking at the morning session, Mr Lee highlighted that the Asia-Pacific region is undergoing profound changes, from digital and green transitions to sweeping demographic changes, and that it is essential to grasp the opportunities brought by these shifts in order to build future-ready economies.

Mr Lee proposed that APEC members remain steadfast in their commitment to a multilateralism that is grounded on the principles of inclusivity, equality and co-operation; leverage the innovative power of AI as a key driver of economic growth; and make good use of APEC as a platform to expand co-operation and unlock new and inclusive drivers of growth.

Participating economies jointly issued the 2025 APEC Leaders' Gyeongju Declaration, addressing the shared opportunities and challenges facing the region and expressing support for APEC as an important platform for regional economic co-operation, the strengthening of regional connectivity, and the building of resilient supply chains.

Mr Lee said he looks forward to pursuing practical co-operation with fellow member economies in these areas, and to working together to advance high-quality economic development in the Asia-Pacific region.

Speaking to the media in Gyeongju this afternoon, the Chief Executive mentioned five achievements from participating in the APEC meeting.

He highlighted that Hong Kong contributed to the promotion of free trade and economic integration.

“First of all, the APEC economies jointly adopted and issued the Leaders’Declaration, which is very important because it emphasises economic co-operation, connectivity, and also the building of resilient supply chains.

“The second achievement is that, through participation in these APEC meetings and activities, we have further strengthened our ties with the host country, Korea.”

Mr Lee highlighted that Korea is Hong Kong's fifth-largest trading partner, and that trade has been increasing at a rate of 20% year on year between the two places. On tourism, Hong Kong welcomed, in 2024, 850,000 visitors, double the previous year's figure.

He said that with the Kai Tak Sports Park now open, Hong Kong has been welcoming a lot of K-pop performances, and looks forward to welcoming more Korean visitors.

“The third thing is we have strengthened relations and exchanges with various Association of Southeast Asian Nations countries.

“In regards to the Hong Kong Economic & Trade Office (ETO), which we want to set up in Malaysia, I am glad to be informed that in my discussion with the Prime Minister of Malaysia, both of us are very keen and optimistic that the ETO will be in operation before the end of this year in Kuala Lumpur.

“The fourth achievement is that we have deepened exchanges and co-operation with the Middle East.

“And the fifth achievement is that we have strengthened exchanges with the International Monetary Fund.”

The Chief Executive will return to Hong Kong tomorrow.

Southbound Travel for Guangdong Vehicles will initially be open to applications from Guangzhou, Zhuhai, Zhongshan, and Jiangmen in Guangdong Province and approved Guangdong vehicles will enter Hong Kong from December 23.

Chief Executive John Lee expressed gratitude for the staunch support of the central government and the Guangdong Provincial Government in jointly taking forward and realising the Southbound Travel Scheme.

He noted that the Southbound Travel Scheme and Northbound Travel for Hong Kong Vehicles complement each other and are important measures to promote the integrated development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), facilitating mutual engagement between residents of Guangdong and Hong Kong.

Mr Lee highlighted that the Southbound Travel Scheme will also achieve a higher level of mutual flow of people and goods and even open up a new model for Mainland residents to visit Hong Kong, which in turn brings opportunities to such sectors as tourism, retail, and catering in Hong Kong.

Under the strategies of ensuring safety, effective diversion, well-equipped supporting facilities and streamlined application, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government is taking forward the Southbound Travel Scheme in a steady manner, with a view to benefitting Hong Kong residents and society as a whole, as well as sharing the fruitful achievements of the integrated development of the GBA, he added.

Under the Southbound Travel Scheme, eligible and approved private cars from Guangdong may enter Hong Kong directly via the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge from December 23, starting with 100 vehicles per day for a stay of up to three days per Guangdong vehicle.

Interested applicants must first register for computer-based balloting through Guangdong's information platform of the Southbound Travel Scheme before formally submitting their applications starting from December 9.

Designated drivers have to hold a valid Hong Kong driving licence, their Guangdong vehicles have to be inspected according to Hong Kong regulations and obtained valid third-party risk insurance.

Also as part of the Southbound Travel Scheme, approved Guangdong vehicles may park at the automated carparks on the artificial island at the Hong Kong Port via the Zhuhai Port of the HZMB, after which the drivers and passengers may transfer to a flight via Hong Kong International Airport or enter into urban area by taking Hong Kong local transportation.

s

The Airport Authority Hong Kong's (AAHK) automated "Park & Fly" carpark will start operations from 0.00am on November 15.

Providing 1,800 parking spaces for 24-hour automated parking, drop-off and pick-up services, the carparks will be open for application starting from 9am tomorrow.

The AAHK has launched a one-stop booking platform, allowing eligible applicants from Guangdong to book a parking space for each trip on a first-come, first-served basis.

For vehicles with a successful booking, "Park & Fly" travellers having their documents and air tickets verified, will take a bonded bus to the SkyPier Terminal to check in with their baggage, and then proceed directly to the terminal for boarding without going through the Hong Kong immigration clearance in the process.

Upon their return to Hong Kong, travellers will only need to confirm their booking at Transfer Desk E2 in the restricted area of Terminal 1 before proceeding to the SkyPier Terminal to take the bonded bus bound for the "Park & Fly" carpark to retrieve their vehicles.

As for drop-off or pick-up, designated drivers may, in accordance with the respective booking, drive to the "Park & Fly" carpark to transfer to a flight, or from the "Park & Fly" carpark back to the Mainland, without having to use the automated parking system.

To ensure orderly implementation, both parts of the Southbound Travel Scheme will initially be open to applications from Guangzhou, Zhuhai, Zhongshan, and Jiangmen, to be gradually extended to other cities in Guangdong Province after six months.

Chief Executive John Lee today continued his visit to Korea to participate in Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) activities and met leaders from Singapore, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

In the morning, Mr Lee joined the APEC Economic Leaders' Informal Dialogue with Guests, in which he said Hong Kong will uphold the rules-based multilateral trading system and promote regional economic co-operation in developing an open, dynamic, resilient and peaceful Asia-Pacific community.

During a meeting with Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, the UAE, Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Chief Executive said Hong Kong's simple and low tax regime provides an excellent business environment and encouraged more talent, businesses and capital from the UAE and the Middle East to establish a presence in the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science & Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone.

In the afternoon, Mr Lee attended the APEC Business Advisory Council Dialogue with APEC Economic Leaders. Hong Kong, China's representatives to the APEC Business Advisory Council Mary Huen and Geoffrey Kao were also present.

The Chief Executive also met Managing Director of the IMF Kristalina Georgieva and thanked the IMF for consistently reaffirming Hong Kong's status as an international financial centre

Noting that Hong Kong is one of the world's major financial centres, he said the city will harness the asset-reallocation wave of global investors to continuously reform its capital markets, facilitate corporate fundraising, enhance market liquidity and promote financial innovation.

Mr Lee met Prime Minister of Singapore Lawrence Wong afterwards. He welcomed Singaporean enterprises to invest in the city's Northern Metropolis, thereby strengthening co-operation in frontier technology fields and tapping into the Greater Bay Area's vast market potential.

A delegation of 10 overseas government officials completed their visit to Hong Kong today, with a better understanding of the city's strengths, potential and opportunities under the "one country, two systems" arrangement.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs invited officials of foreign ministries from Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brunei, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Myanmar, Tajikistan, Timor-Leste, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan for a visit aimed at enhancing co-operation between Hong Kong and their countries.

During their stay in Hong Kong, they met Chief Secretary Chan Kwok-ki, Acting Financial Secretary Michael Wong and Acting Secretary for Justice Cheung Kwok-kwan. They exchanged views and learnt more about Hong Kong's unique advantages of having connections to both the Mainland and the world under "one country, two systems", as well as its role as a "super connector" and "super value-adder".

They also met Acting Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Bernard Chan, Under Secretary for Financial Services & the Treasury Joseph Chan, Under Secretary for Innovation, Technology & Industry Lillian Cheong, as well as representatives of a number of institutions.

Additionally, the delegation toured the Science Park and West Kowloon Cultural District to learn about the city's latest developments and opportunities in finance, trade, innovation and technology, and arts and culture.

The delegation also visited Shenzhen to learn more about the integrated development of the Greater Bay Area.

Deputy Chief Secretary Cheuk Wing-hing today chaired the first meeting of the AI Efficacy Enhancement Team, co-ordinating policy bureaus and departments in using artificial intelligence (AI) technology to boost governmental efficiency and spur technological innovation, as well as discuss its work plan.

Mr Cheuk noted that to implement the objective of strengthening governance as outlined by the Chief Executive in the Policy Address, the AI Efficacy Enhancement Team will make use of co-ordination to steer departments to effectively apply AI technology to their work, explore process re-engineering, and promote technological reform to improve efficacy.

He said the team will identify departments that can use AI to enhance performance having regard to certain directions.

First is departments with greater interface with the public. Second is departments with services drawing much public attention. Third is changes that can bring about notable improvements in work efficiency. Fourth is that people can see obvious changes brought by the enhanced efficacy.

Mr Cheuk added that the team will identify departments with services closely related to citizens' livelihood and work out the implementation details, with the aim of rolling out related projects gradually after six months.

The team discussed its key focuses and initial work plan. A briefing was given by the Digital Policy Office on the AI toolboxes that can be used in common administrative procedures such as data collection and analytics, customer service and paperwork.

Chief Executive John Lee began his visit in Korea this morning in Busan by receiving President Xi Jinping who will attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting and pay a state visit to Korea.

In the afternoon, Mr Lee met Hong Kong people and business representatives based in Korea to learn more about their daily lives. He encouraged them to leverage their strengths to tell the good stories of Hong Kong and contribute to the economic and trade co-operation, as well as people-to-people exchanges between the two places.

Accompanied by Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Algernon Yau, Mr Lee then attended a dinner with Hong Kong, China's representative to the APEC Business Advisory Council in Gyeongju to discuss various issues including the promotion of Hong Kong's advantages and the enhancement of regional co-operation.

The Chief Executive will participate in the APEC Economic Leaders' Informal Dialogue with Guests, the APEC Business Advisory Council Dialogue with APEC Economic Leaders, and the Gala Dinner hosted by the organiser for participating leaders tomorrow.

Financial Secretary Paul Chan, currently visiting Saudi Arabia, attended the Future Investment Initiative Summit there yesterday.

He spoke at one of the summit's key thematic discussion sessions and also held meetings with senior Saudi government officials and business leaders.

In the morning, Mr Chan attended the summit's opening ceremony and spoke at a session titled “Board of Changemakers: Public-Private Powerbrokers”.

The session brought together leaders from governments and businesses around the world to share insights on how public-private partnerships (PPPs) can foster economic and social development, energy transition and the advancement of technological sectors such as artificial intelligence and biotechnology, within the broader context of geopolitical and technological transformation.

Mr Chan shared Hong Kong's experience in promoting various PPP models, including the Build-Operate-Transfer model and the Rail-plus-Property model, which have incentivised private sector participation in infrastructure development.

He highlighted that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government is expediting the development of the Northern Metropolis as a new engine for economic diversification, a key base for innovation and technology industries, and a source of quality employment opportunities. He said that Hong Kong is adopting a more flexible and proactive approach in developing the Northern Metropolis, including streamlining land allocation, importing talent and promoting co-investment arrangements, with a view to accelerating planning, construction and industry development.

Mr Chan also cited the establishment of the Hong Kong Investment Corporation (HKIC) by the Hong Kong SAR Government as another example of PPP. As "patient capital", the HKIC supports the involvement of companies, and ecosystem building, through co-investment and other means. It also partners with other funds in the market to channel capital into industries of strategic value, helping to enhance Hong Kong's long-term competitiveness and create quality jobs for society.

The Financial Secretary also attended other thematic sessions at the summit, including one in which Vice-President of the People's Republic of China Han Zheng delivered a keynote speech.

In addition, Mr Chan held bilateral meetings with a number of local political and business leaders, including Saudi Arabian Vice Minister of Finance Abdulmuhsen bin Saad Alkhalaf, Diriyah Company's Group Chief Executive Officer Jerry Inzerillo, Chief Executive Officer of New Murabba Development Company under the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia Michael Dyke, and Red Sea Global's Chief Financial Officer Martin Greenslade.

In the evening, Mr Chan attended a business seminar hosted by China Investment Corporation and delivered a keynote speech.

He remarked that the Middle East has set out an ambitious development vision and possesses strong growth momentum, while at the same time China is pursuing high-quality development, including high-level two-way opening-up. There is vast room, he said. for collaboration between the two regions in areas such as capital, technology and industrial connectivity.

Mr Chan said that Hong Kong, as the world's freest economy, enjoys distinctive advantages under the “one country, two systems” principle. These include the common law system, free flow of capital, goods and information, a simple and low tax regime, and a linked exchange rate system between the Hong Kong dollar and the US dollar.

As the world's No. 3 international financial centre, Hong Kong is not only an international fundraising and professional services platform for Mainland enterprises going global, but also an ideal gateway for Middle Eastern businesses to access the Mainland market. Mr Chan said that around 300 Mainland enterprises are in the pipeline for listing in Hong Kong, with many of these firms planning to expand into the Middle East.

Mr Chan also highlighted Hong Kong's leading position in offshore renminbi (RMB) business, asset and wealth management, and the family office sector. Hong Kong is the world's largest offshore RMB hub. With trade between China and Saudi Arabia being increasingly settled in local currencies, demand for RMB-denominated assets and risk management products is expected to grow.

The finance chief outlined that Hong Kong is Asia's premier centre for asset and wealth management, with assets under management exceeding US$4.5 trillion, and boasts a vibrant ecosystem for family offices.

He extended a sincere invitation to more enterprises and institutions from Saudi Arabia and the wider Middle East to leverage Hong Kong's platform, and to join hands in opening a new chapter in cooperation between Asia and the Middle East.

Hong Kong's ranking in the Rule of Law Index 2025 continues to rank sixth in East Asia and the Pacific, and 24th out of 143 countries and jurisdictions globally, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government said.

In a statement responding to the annual World Justice Project Rule of Law Index released today, the Hong Kong SAR Government noted that the city’s overall score remains unchanged and is the same as the countries ranked 22nd and 23rd globally.

The scores in most of the aspects have only been slightly adjusted, the statement said, adding that Hong Kong remains high in the overall ranking and continues to be ahead of some European and American countries which often unreasonably criticise the rule of law and human rights situation of the city.

Hong Kong maintains its position within the top 10 globally in respect of “Absence of Corruption” and “Order & Security”. The global rankings in relation to “Absence of Corruption” and “Regulatory Enforcement” are higher than last year, ranking 9th and 15th respectively.

This shows that in addition to its comprehensive regulatory enforcement mechanism, Hong Kong remains one of the most corruption-free places in the world and that the effectiveness of its anti-corruption efforts has been recognised internationally, the statement pointed out.

This also demonstrates the Hong Kong SAR Government’s full commitment to combating acts and activities that endanger national security in accordance with the law after the full implementation of the National Security Law, the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance and other laws safeguarding national security in Hong Kong, restoring order in the community and ensuring steady economic development and its long-term prosperity and stability effectively.

The Hong Kong SAR Government said that the continuous improvement in these areas is conducive to the construction of rule of law and positive business environment, consolidating and enhancing Hong Kong's unique advantages, and allowing it to fully play its role as a “super connector” and “super value-adder” through its connectivity with both the Mainland and the world.

Hong Kong’s rankings in respect of “Criminal Justice”, “Civil Justice” and “Constraints on Government Powers” remain almost unchanged. Its judicial system is protected by the Basic Law, while all prosecutorial decisions are based on an objective analysis of admissible evidence and applicable laws, free from any interference.

The legal framework in Hong Kong aligns with international standards and keeps up with the times, fully safeguarding the rights of all parties. The Judiciary exercises judicial power independently in accordance with the law, and anyone charged with a criminal offence or involved in civil and commercial cases has the right to a fair hearing.

Meanwhile, Hong Kong's scores and global rankings slightly drop in the aspects of “Open Government” and “Fundamental Rights”. However, its rankings in these areas in East Asia and the Pacific remain unchanged.

The Hong Kong SAR Government said the minor drop in the rankings does not fully reflect the real situation in Hong Kong, emphasising that it will continue to strengthen its explanatory work through various channels.

Hong Kong has a robust legal framework for the protection of human rights and an open judicial system, and its Government steadfastly safeguards the rights and freedoms enjoyed by its citizens as protected under the law, the statement said, adding that its residents can seek justice through legal means and are protected by a solid legal aid system under the Basic Law and the Hong Kong Bill of Rights Ordinance.

Under the principle of “one country, two systems”, Hong Kong is the only bilingual common law jurisdiction in the world. Its legal system is fair and well-established, highly aligned with international standards, and home to a deep pool of legal professionals with extensive international experience, the statement outlined.

The construction of rule of law in Hong Kong remains robust and stable, and its high standard of justice has been widely recognised and respected by the international community, it added.

The Hong Kong SAR Government will steadfastly safeguard national sovereignty, security and development interests, fully and faithfully live up to the principle of “one country, two systems” and promote the rule of law education to comprehensively uphold the rule of law in the city.

It will also enhance its explanatory efforts through various channels, including inviting overseas people to engage in international events in Hong Kong such as international legal forums, enabling them to experience and understand its actual situation first hand.

(To watch the full media session with sign language interpretation, click here.)

Chief Executive John Lee this morning encouraged everyone in Hong Kong to take part in the upcoming Legislative Council General Election.

Ahead of the Executive Council meeting, Mr Lee stressed the importance of the election, explaining that implementation of the Government's policies will mostly have to go through LegCo.

“So, it is important to ensure that we have the most appropriate LegCo members serving the interests of Hong Kong. It affects everybody, and it is a civic responsibility for voters to vote. It is also a civic responsibility for everybody to promote the election so that such a significant event will take its course smoothly and attract the most attention and support from everybody.

“I will be writing to all the civil servants to encourage them to act as an example, to exercise their civic responsibility to vote.

“It is an important election that the whole Government will do our best to promote and I appeal to everybody in society to do the same, to promote it.

“So, it is an important duty for the Government. This is also a matter of great significance for everybody to participate in, to encourage others to take part, so it is a collective effort of Hong Kong.” 

The Chief Executive iterated that the Government's aim is for the election to run smoothly in all aspects.

Chief Executive John Lee will depart for South Korea tomorrow to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Meeting and related activities.

In the coastal city of Gyeongju, Mr Lee will join the APEC Economic Leaders’ Retreat, due to be held on November 1.

On October 31, he will participate in the APEC Economic Leaders’ Informal Dialogue with Guests, the APEC Business Advisory Council Dialogue with APEC Economic Leaders, and a Gala Dinner hosted by the organiser for participating leaders. He will also hold bilateral meetings with leaders of the other economies in attendance to exchange views on issues of mutual interest.

Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Algernon Yau will attend the APEC Ministerial Meeting on October 30.

This year, APEC has chosen the theme “Building a Sustainable Tomorrow”, with discussions focusing on the words “connect”, “innovate” and “prosper”.

The Chief Executive said: “APEC member economies are Hong Kong’s important trading partners, accounting for approximately 80% of Hong Kong’s external trade. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government will continue to actively participate in APEC-related matters to contribute to and promote regional economic integration and development.”

Mr Lee will return to Hong Kong on November 2. During his absence, Chief Secretary Chan Kwok-ki will be Acting Chief Executive.

Secretary for Justice Paul Lam will depart for Beijing this evening to attend a session on the rule of law in finance at the "Annual Conference of Financial Street Forum 2025" tomorrow.

Mr Lam will deliver a keynote speech on innovation, transformation, and the restructuring of financial development within the framework of the rule of law. He will share his views on the advantages of Hong Kong’s legal and financial systems, and ways to deepen Hong Kong-Beijing co-operation, with a view to enhancing foreign-related rule of law.

Mr Lam will return to Hong Kong tomorrow afternoon. During his absence, Deputy Secretary for Justice Cheung Kwok-kwan will be Acting Secretary.

The Strive & Rise Programme began recruiting 4,000 mentees for its fourth cohort today. Applications will close on November 16.

Secondary One to Secondary Four students from underprivileged families, particularly those living in subdivided units, can submit applications through the programme’s mobile application.

Formulated and implemented by an interdepartmental task force led by the Chief Secretary, the programme comprises three key elements – mentorship, personal development plans and financial support.

The one-year intensive foundation training includes mentorship and a structured programme covering orientation, basic training, mentor-mentee interaction, diverse group activities, Mainland study and exchange tours, and more.

It aims to help mentees broaden their horizons, build self-confidence, develop a positive outlook on life, explore more possibilities for personal development, set goals for the future and strive for upward mobility.

Each mentee will be provided with start-up financial support of $5,000. Mentors will assist and guide mentees in developing positive financial planning concepts and implementing their personal development plans.

Upon successful completion of the programme, the mentees will receive a scholarship of $5,000 and automatically become members of the Alumni Club.

For enquiries, interested students may approach their schools or the non-governmental organisations that assist the Government in implementing the programme.