Financial Secretary Paul Chan today continued his visit to Beijing by calling on institutions related to financial development, supervision and macro-economic planning, and meeting Minister of National Financial Regulatory Administration Li Yunze.

During the meetings, the two sides exchanged views on the outlook for the national and global economy and financial markets, as well as the overarching framework and major priorities of the 15th Five-Year Plan. The officials also discussed how Hong Kong can better align with national development strategies and contribute more effectively to the country’s overall development.

In explaining Hong Kong’s latest economic and financial situation, Mr Chan noted that the economy, underpinned by the country’s strong support, has recorded growth. Moreover, under the leadership of Chief Executive John Lee, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government is pressing ahead with the formulation of Hong Kong’s first five-year plan in order to proactively integrate into and better serve overall national development.

For the financial sector, he said Hong Kong will ensure appropriate co-ordination between development and security, reinforcing its established strengths while exploring emerging areas.

This approach will steadily advance the diversified and high-quality development of financial services, with a view to enhancing Hong Kong’s position as an international financial centre, as well as supporting China’s efforts to build a financial powerhouse, Mr Chan elaborated.

He added that Hong Kong will leverage its strengths to contribute to China’s development of a modernised industrial system and to advancing the country’s high-level scientific and technological self-reliance ‒ this is reflected in Hong Kong’s ability to attract top international talent and to drive technological and industrial innovation through the co-ordinated development of the Northern Metropolis with sister cities across the Greater Bay Area.

Mr Chan will attend the China Development Forum 2026 and related events to be held over the weekend.