Financial Secretary Paul Chan concluded his visit to Bangkok, Thailand this morning after meeting with Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Ekniti Nitithanprapas.

During the meeting in the morning, Mr Chan and  Ekniti Nitithanprapas exchanged views on further strengthening economic, trade and financial co-operation between Hong Kong and Thailand.

The two sides explored ways to deepen co-operation and connect foreign direct investment in Thailand with Hong Kong's capital market to further support enterprises investing and expanding their businesses in Thailand.

Mr Chan said that Hong Kong could leverage its strengths as an international financial centre to provide comprehensive investment and financing support for enterprises in Thailand. Hong Kong also welcomed closer regulatory co-operation between the two securities markets to encourage dual listings by enterprises from both places and strengthen capital market ties.

He added that with Mainland enterprises accelerating their international expansion and increasing investment in Thailand and Southeast Asia, Hong Kong could further enhance its bridging role by matching the Mainland's technological strengths with Thailand's industrial development needs, thereby fostering investment and industrial co-operation.

Mr Chan thanked Mr Ekniti for visiting Hong Kong to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Finance Ministers' Meeting, and invited him to attend the Asian Financial Forum in Hong Kong in January next year to further strengthen economic, trade and financial ties between the two places and across the region, and jointly explore new opportunities for co-operation.

The Financial Secretary also met with the chief executive officer and senior management of a major French bank with extensive operations in Hong Kong this morning.

They exchanged views on developments in the fixed income and currency markets in Hong Kong and the region, green and sustainable finance, tokenised financial products, and asset and wealth management.

Mr Chan welcomed the group's continued expansion in Hong Kong and its use of the city as a key hub for developing its regional business, tapping into the opportunities offered by Hong Kong as an international financial centre.

Having concluded his morning programme, Mr Chan departed for Hong Kong and returned this afternoon.