Financial Secretary Paul Chan attended a webinar today to update the Canadian political and business community on Hong Kong's edge and competitiveness as an international financial centre, its active role in national development and the ample opportunities for Canadian businesses.

In his opening remarks, Mr Chan said that despite the COVID-19 pandemic's economic fallout and the social unrest that preceded it, Hong Kong's financial market has functioned well with its unique advantages under the "one country, two systems" principle, the rule of law and other institutional strengths including an independent judiciary and the free flow of information, people and capital.

He pointed out that even though there have been rumours of fund outflows in the past two years, there is no significant fund outflow from Hong Kong's banking system.

On the contrary, a total inflow of US$50 billion into the Hong Kong dollar system had been recorded as at the end of last year, reflecting that Hong Kong's status as an international financial centre remains solid and its competitiveness remains strong.

Mr Chan added that the upbeat prospects for Hong Kong's future are affirmed by the national 14th Five-Year Plan, which continues the central government's support for and promotion of Hong Kong's status as an international financial, transportation and trading centre, a global offshore renminbi business hub and an international asset and risk management centre, and supports the city's development as an international hub for both aviation and innovation and technology.

He also noted that Hong Kong's integration into national development not only contributes to the country's development, but also creates new impetus for the city's economic growth, which enables improvements in the economy and people's livelihood.

The 14th Five-Year Plan also outlines the high-quality development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, which supports the expansion of mutual access between the financial markets of Hong Kong and the Mainland.

Mr Chan said the cross-boundary Wealth Management Connect scheme, under which residents in Hong Kong, Macau and nine cities in the bay area will be able to invest in wealth-management products distributed by banks in the region, will be rolled out soon.

Addressing concerns about the stability of Hong Kong society, Mr Chan highlighted the restoration of social and political stability through the enactment of the National Security Law and the impending improvements to the electoral system of Hong Kong, which has created a safe and secure environment conducive to business and investment for the people of Hong Kong, for Canadian business and investment and for companies from all over the world.

The webinar was organised by the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada and more than 100 people took part.

In question-and-answer session, Mr Chan discussed with participants the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government's policies and support for promoting green and sustainable finance and innovation and technology, as well as the city's anti-epidemic measures and core competitiveness in professional services.