Financial Secretary Paul Chan described the latest state of Hong Kong’s return to normalcy and development opportunities while meeting a number of political and business leaders as the World Economic Forum (WEF) opened yesterday at Davos in Switzerland.

Using the annual meeting to his advantage, Mr Chan met Thai Minister of Finance Arkhom Termpittayapaisith. Apart from exchanging views on the current international economic and financial situation, they discussed further strengthening financial co-operation.

Mr Chan pointed out that Hong Kong’s financial markets are deepening and broadening with the continuous expansion and development of the mutual market access schemes with the Mainland, thus better converging international and Mainland capital.

As such, he welcomed enterprises in Thailand to actively use Hong Kong’s efficient fundraising platforms to finance large-scale infrastructure and other projects.

The Financial Secretary also met Saudi Minister of Finance Mohammed Al-Jadaan. While outlining Hong Kong’s latest directions and prospects of development, Mr Chan indicated that the city, in its position as an international financial centre, could help countries in the Middle East region to diversify their investments and manage risks. He added that there is ample room for mutual co-operation on various aspects.

Moreover, Mr Chan met the senior management of a number of international private equity firms and multinational companies, such as Managing Partner of EQT AB Marcus Brennecke and Founder & Chairman of Vista Equity Partners Robert Smith, to exchange views on capital market development, talent training and development opportunities of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

Mr Chan also attended the welcoming reception by the WEF in the evening.