The 19th Asian Financial Forum (AFF), gathering heavyweight speakers from around the world to explore developments in the financial markets and ways of fostering co-operation among economies in times of change, kicked off today.

Co-organised by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government and the Trade Development Council, the two-day forum, themed “Co-creating New Horizons Amid an Evolving Landscape”, is expected to attract over 3,600 participants from more than 60 countries or regions.

This year's event has brought together more than 150 distinguished speakers – including government officials, representatives from central banks and regulatory bodies, financial and business leaders, scholars, and economists – to discuss key financial and economic trends, as well as emerging opportunities in areas such as asset and wealth management, fintech, trade finance, gold and precious metals trading, green finance, insurance and risk management.

This year's forum includes the inaugural Global Business Summit, a platform which has a specific focus on how Hong Kong is able to leverage synergies between finance and industries to support Mainland enterprises in going global while helping international businesses to grow their presence in China.

Addressing the AFF's opening session this morning, Chief Executive John Lee highlighted Hong Kong's prowess as an international financial hub.

He said: “Hong Kong's financial regulatory system is robust, and our financial market stands out for its deep liquidity, innovative products and world-class investor protection. We also boast a highly educated workforce, a welcoming environment for global talent and transparent financial regulations aligned with international standards.”

He outlined that these strengths are widely recognised, citing the fact that Hong Kong ranked third globally, and first in Asia, in the most recent Global Financial Centres Index, while placing third in the 2025 World Competitiveness Yearbook, up two places over the previous year.

He added that the city will focus on three fronts to further boost its status as an international financial centre.

“First, Hong Kong will further reinforce its existing strengths, including those in the equity market, the bond market, and the asset management and wealth management sector. Second, Hong Kong will expedite the development of new growth areas, including building an international gold trading market and commodities trading ecosystem in Hong Kong. Third, international exchanges and co-operation will remain a priority for Hong Kong, including assisting companies interested in re-domiciling to Hong Kong.”

At the forum's keynote lunch, Financial Secretary Paul Chan delivered welcome remarks, stating that: “In a world where economies are reconfiguring value chains and seeking more resilient, diversified partnerships, Hong Kong stands out as a reliable, trusted, resourceful and well-positioned partner, bridging the Mainland and the world.”

He elaborated that Hong Kong's significance will only grow, as it serves as a gateway for global investors to access China's innovation-driven opportunities.

In the realm of finance, he highlighted that Hong Kong is the world's premier two-way international fundraising platform, welcoming both Mainland and international companies to list in Hong Kong, and is also the world's leading offshore renminbi (RMB) hub, offering global investors a wide range of RMB-denominated investment and risk management products.

He added that at a time of global fragmentation, Hong Kong will continue to remain open for business and welcome partners from around the world to collaborate on shaping the future of Asia and of the world at large.

Also today, Secretary for Financial Services & the Treasury Christopher Hui signed a co-operation agreement with Shanghai Gold Exchange Chairman Yu Wenjian, in the presence of Mr Lee, People's Bank of China Deputy Governor Zou Lan, Member of the Standing Committee of the CPC Shanghai Municipal Committee and Executive Vice Mayor of the Shanghai Municipal People's Government Wu Wei, and Executive Deputy Director of the Office of the Financial Commission of the CPC Shanghai Municipal Committee Zhou Xiaoquan.

The agreement marks a new milestone in terms of co-operation between gold markets in the two places. This includes establishing a high-level, collaborative governance structure for Hong Kong's gold central clearing system, and opening new avenues for physical infrastructure synergy and market interconnectivity.

The Global Business Summit, co-organised by the Financial Services & the Treasury Bureau, the Trade Development Council, and the Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises will be held tomorrow. Mr Chan, Shanghai Executive Vice Mayor Wu Wei and Hunan Vice Governor Wang Junshou will deliver speeches at it.