Financial Secretary Paul Chan attended annual meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank Group (WBG) in Marrakesh, Morocco yesterday and today as a member of the Chinese delegation.

The meetings brought together ministers of finance, heads of relevant agencies, representatives of central banks, key members of the private sector and non-governmental organisations, and academics, to discuss issues of global concern, including the world's economic outlook and responses to climate change.

Among numerous topics, the meetings were focussed on achieving balanced, resilient and inclusive global economic growth, controlling inflation and maintaining price stability, promoting transformative reforms to meet global economic challenges, eradicating poverty, and responding to climate change.

After the plenary session, Mr Chan held meetings with IMF Deputy Managing Director Li Bo, the fund’s Asia & Pacific Department Director Krishna Srinivasan, and WBG Managing Director & Chief Administrative Officer Yang Shaolin.

They exchanged views on such issues as the global economic situation, the international geopolitical landscape, responses to climate change, green finance and fintech development.

Mr Chan stressed that Hong Kong has fully resumed international connectivity following the lifting of pandemic restrictions at the beginning of the year, and that is has experienced a rapid increase in visitor arrivals and a steady economic recovery.

He highlighted the successful implementation of and long-term adherence to the “one country, two systems” principle in Hong Kong, as well as the new opportunities in the city brought by developments in the finance industry and technological innovation, including opportunities in green technology and green finance.

The Financial Secretary also spoke of the development of Hong Kong’s digital economy and financial technology sector, and the policy measures put in place to attract strategic enterprises and talent.

He said Hong Kong will host several major international financial forums and a series of tourism events in the coming months, adding that he welcomes representatives from various countries to come to the city and experience its extraordinary charms.

Today, Mr Chan continued to participate in the annual meetings, whilst also separately meeting Central Bank of Malaysia Governor Abdul Rasheed Ghaffour and HSBC Holdings' Chief Executive Officer of Global Banking & Markets Greg Guyett, to discuss regional and global economic development and issues of mutual concern.