The two-day Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Finance Ministers' Meeting 2026 opened in Hong Kong today, marking the first time the city has hosted the event.  

Aiming to strengthen regional economic and financial co-operation, participants are discussing the global and regional macroeconomic outlook, fiscal policies supporting households, digital infrastructure financing, financial inclusion and dialogue with financial talent.

Speaking at the opening ceremony this morning, Minister of Finance Lan Fo'an noted that a new wave of breakthroughs in technological innovation and industrial transformation is accelerating, gathering new development momentum. He added that as the engine of global economic growth, the Asia-Pacific region bears greater responsibility.

Mr Lan said all parties should firmly implement the consensus reached at the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting to contribute to regional prosperity. He urged member economies to strengthen macroeconomic policy dialogue and maintain stability.

Given the highly uncertain international economic environment, he advised economies to enhance the soundness of their own policies while boosting communication and co-ordination to prevent negative spillover effects from policy adjustments. He also stressed the need to accelerate economic transformation and enhance resilience by seizing opportunities in digital and green transformation, promoting innovative co-operation in artificial intelligence, the digital economy and green and low-carbon development, and cultivating new growth drivers.

Furthermore, he noted that development must remain a priority to promote shared prosperity. Mr Lan urged all economies to deepen practical co-operation in fiscal and financial fields, foster an open regional economic environment, maintain stable supply chains, and advance regional economic integration.

Addressing the discussion sessions, Financial Secretary Paul Chan said Hong Kong would leverage its unique advantages under the "one country, two systems" principle. He emphasised that the city will make full use of its diverse financing channels and professional services as an international financial centre to serve as a "super connector" and "super value-adder". 

He highlighted that by connecting capital, technology and projects across the region, Hong Kong will work with other economies to foster resilient, sustainable and inclusive growth.

Chief Executive John Lee officiated at a welcome dinner for delegates this evening. 

“Together, we seek to build economies that are more resilient, innovative and inclusive to create continuing opportunities for our businesses, communities and future generations,” he said. 

He noted that as a founding member of the World Trade Organization, Hong Kong champions free trade and maintains a zero-tariff policy, a simple and low tax regime, and a predictable business environment, contributing to the city's status as a global financial centre. Mr Lee reiterated the Government’s commitment to strengthening Hong Kong's roles as a global offshore renminbi business hub, an international asset and wealth management centre, and a risk management centre, while advancing commodity trading and green financial services.

The Chief Executive pointed out that the Northern Metropolis is fast becoming Hong Kong's new economic engine.

“The Northern Metropolis is connected to the enterprising and innovative Mainland city of Shenzhen, where the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Economic Leaders' Meeting is set to take place next month. It will become an innovation and technology hub and home to three university towns, integrating education, technology and talent,” he said.

Mr Lee added that the Northern Metropolis will deepen collaboration within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area – a cluster city development that brings together Hong Kong, Shenzhen and nine southern cities with a combined gross domestic product that rivals the world's 10th largest economy.