On day two of his visit in France, Financial Secretary Paul Chan attended the Think Business Think Hong Kong events organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC).
 
Mr Chan first toured an exhibition arranged by the HKTDC that introduces Hong Kong to the French business community.
 
At a symposium associated with the exhibition, he gave a speech promoting business opportunities in Hong Kong and the city’s unique advantages.
 
Mr Chan said that the “one country, two systems” principle as well as the implementation of the principle in Hong Kong, would both be upheld in the long run by the country. He described it as the best arrangement for Hong Kong to maintain long-term stability and prosperity after its return to the motherland.
 
He pointed out that with the staunch support of the country, the city enjoys the unique advantages of connecting to the Mainland market, while continuing to uphold the rule of law and the common law system.
 
Additionally, he noted that together with the free flow of capital, information, goods and talent, Hong Kong is an important two-way gateway connecting the Mainland and the world, and the best springboard for French enterprises to tap into the Asian region.
 
Mr Chan emphasised that in addition to sectors such as financial services in which Hong Kong has traditional strengths, the city is seeing prosperous development in new areas including innovation and technology, green tech and green finance as well as cultural and creative industries.
 
He encouraged French enterprises to make full use of Hong Kong's development opportunities in these new areas and expand into the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and regional markets.
 
Mr Chan then visited a concept store run by Europe’s largest design exhibitor Maison et Objet (M&O) in Paris. In January of 2024, a total of 10 Hong Kong designers will participate in events in Paris commemorating the exhibitor’s 30th anniversary.
 
M&O is also in discussion with Create Hong Kong to stage joint thematic design activities in Hong Kong later next year.
 
In the afternoon, the finance chief called on Chinese Ambassador to France Lu Shaye and updated him on the latest developments in Hong Kong.
 
Mr Chan then took part in a Hong Kong-France Business Council meeting where he met various French business leaders. They exchanged views about deepening commercial and trade ties between Hong Kong and France.
 
In the evening, Mr Chan attended the Hong Kong Dinner in Paris event, which was also organised by the HKTDC.