Financial Secretary Paul Chan, who is visiting Milan, Italy, will shorten his European trip and return to Hong Kong earlier than scheduled in light of the No. 5 alarm fire at Wang Fuk Court, Tai Po.

Mr Chan arrived in Milan yesterday evening after concluding a visit to London, the UK. He was originally scheduled to attend the “Think Business, Think Hong Kong” symposium and a “Hong Kong Dinner” organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) today.

The finance chief was due to depart Milan for Hong Kong tomorrow, but will now leave today after attending the HKTDC symposium. He is expected to arrive in Hong Kong tomorrow morning.

In London yesterday, Mr Chan met UK-based fund managers and senior executives of financial institutions participating in the “London Tech Week: AI in Finance” event. He also attended a Hong Kong Association lunch, at which he gave a speech outlining how Hong Kong is leveraging innovation and technology to drive economic transformation.