The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government announced today that Hong Kong, China, according to convention, had received an invitation from the host economy to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Meeting scheduled to be held between November 15 and 17 in the US city of San Francisco.

In its reply, the Hong Kong SAR Government indicated that since Chief Executive John Lee, due to scheduling issues, would not be able to join the meeting to represent Hong Kong, China, in person, Financial Secretary Paul Chan will attend the meeting on his behalf.

APEC is a useful platform for member economies to engage in discussions and forge consensus on policy directions and measures that help stimulate economic development in an inclusive and sustainable manner in the region, the Hong Kong SAR Government pointed out.

It added that the Hong Kong SAR has long been participating in APEC as a full and separate member under the name of Hong Kong, China.

It also reiterated that Hong Kong, China, will continue to participate in APEC matters, with a view to contributing to regional economic co-operation by leveraging its advantages under “one country, two systems” and its status as an international trade and financial centre.