Financial Secretary Paul Chan will depart for Beijing today to attend a series of high-level seminars and meetings.

His itinerary begins on Thursday with a seminar on the National 15th Five-Year Plan. On March 22 and 23, he will participate in the China Development Forum 2026 and its related events.

Mr Chan is also scheduled to attend the eighth meeting of the Mainland & Hong Kong Economic & Trade Co-operation Committee on March 23. While in Beijing, he will call on various central ministries and financial regulators.

Jointly organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council and the Hong Kong Chamber of Commerce in China, the seminar on Thursday will explore how Hong Kong can better integrate into national development. Discussions will focus on the vast opportunities the 15th Five-Year Plan offers local businesses, encouraging more active participation in new sectoral developments. Mr Chan will deliver a keynote speech at the event.

The China Development Forum 2026, organised by the State Council's Development Research Center and hosted by the China Development Research Foundation, will be held on March 22 and 23. This year's forum focuses on China’s high-quality development and new opportunities under the National 15th Five-Year Plan. Mr Chan will address a thematic session during the forum.

On March 23, the Financial Secretary will co-chair the eighth meeting of the Mainland & Hong Kong Economic & Trade Co-operation Committee alongside Assistant Minister of Commerce Yuan Xiaoming. The meeting will review economic and trade developments between the two places and discuss future collaborative strategies.

Secretary for Financial Services & the Treasury Christopher Hui and Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Algernon Yau will depart for Beijing today to join the delegation. Together with the Secretary for Innovation, Technology & Industry Prof Sun Dong, who is already in Beijing, they will accompany Mr Chan at several events.

Mr Chan will return to Hong Kong on the afternoon of March 23. During his absence, Deputy Financial Secretary Michael Wong will act as Financial Secretary.