Chen Maobo: Strengthening cooperation, stabilizing growth, and protecting people’s livelihood are important topics of the APEC Finance Ministers’ Meeting

China News Service, Hong Kong, October 11th. Financial Secretary Paul Chan of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government published a blog on the 11th, saying that this month, the 2026 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Finance Ministers' Meeting will be held in Hong Kong for the first time. Finance ministers and representatives from various economies in the region will gather in Hong Kong to discuss how to strengthen regional economic ties through fiscal policies and financial services.

Chen Maobo pointed out that the current global economic environment is full of uncertainties. Geopolitical tensions, energy and supply chain risks, and tightening financial conditions are putting pressure on economic development in various places. How various economies can strengthen cooperation, stabilize growth, and protect people's livelihood has become an important topic at this APEC Finance Ministers' Meeting.

Chan Mo-po said that the meeting will focus on four key points: fiscal policies to support people's livelihood development, digital infrastructure financing, inclusive finance, and exchanges and cooperation of young financial talents. They are all Hong Kong's advantages and areas where Hong Kong can actively contribute.

Taking the introduction of long-term funds to promote low-carbon transformation in the region as an example, he said that the total amount of green and sustainable debt issued in Hong Kong in 2025 will exceed US$76 billion, of which approximately US$38 billion will be arranged for green and sustainable bonds issued in Hong Kong, ranking first in the Asian market for eight consecutive years. In terms of green bonds, transformation financing, project certification and professional services, Hong Kong can not only provide funds for projects in the region, but also ensure the information transparency required by investors.

Chan Mo-po mentioned that Hong Kong can promote exchanges and collaboration among APEC member economies in digital infrastructure, explore public-private cooperation financing models, let public resources play a guiding role, drive more market capital investment, support the development of regional digital economy and artificial intelligence, and empower the accelerated development of the real economy. Hong Kong also continues to promote the development of inclusive finance so that financial services can benefit more companies and citizens. Talking about the exchange and cooperation of young financial talents, he hopes that through Hong Kong’s talent training in green finance, asset and wealth management, and financial technology, young people can better understand the regional market and emerging businesses.

He emphasized that the APEC Finance Ministers' Meeting is an international conference that attracts global attention and is also one of the large-scale international events hosted by Hong Kong. Guests attending the conference will have the opportunity to learn about Hong Kong's development in innovation, technology and urban construction, and feel the vitality and charm of Hong Kong in the field of culture and art.