The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Finance Ministers' Meeting 2026 concluded in Hong Kong today, with a joint statement issued to reaffirm the commitment to building an open, dynamic, resilient and peaceful Asia-Pacific community by 2040 for the prosperity of all our people and future generations.

The statement also noted that meaningful discussions were held on fiscal policy supporting households, digital infrastructure financing, and financial access and opportunity for all, and welcomed the convening of the Young Financial Talents Dialogue, to promote the prosperity and resilience of the region.

Today’s meeting included discussions on advancing financial inclusion through approaches tailored to the circumstances of individual economies, and strengthening exchanges and co-operation among young financial professionals across APEC.

Addressing the discussion sessions, Financial Secretary Paul Chan said that the key to advancing financial inclusion is to enable individuals and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to access affordable and reliable financial services safely and conveniently.

He shared Hong Kong's experience with the Commercial Data Interchange, which facilitates data sharing between businesses and banks to improve the efficiency of credit assessment and help SMEs access finance, while emphasising that consumer protection, sound data governance and clear accountability must be integral to innovation.

Mr Chan also expressed Hong Kong's support for continuing the Young Financial Talents Dialogue in 2027 to nurture a new generation of professionals with technical expertise, sound judgement, international perspectives and the ability to work across borders. He suggested focusing exchanges on practical policy issues, including responsible AI adoption, digital infrastructure financing and financial access, and building a lasting network among participants to promote continued learning and long-term co-operation.

Speaking at the closing session of the meeting, Minister of Finance Lan Fo'an noted that all parties should firmly implement the consensus reached at the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting, uphold multilateralism, and deepen practical co-operation in fiscal and financial affairs, with a view to contributing to regional economic and financial stability and long-term sustainable growth.

Mr Lan also joined the press conference after the meeting. He said the meeting had successfully completed all agenda items and delivered a series of practical deliverables with the joint efforts of all participants and the high-quality services provided by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government.

He added that the meeting had deepened consensus among Asia-Pacific economies in three areas, including strengthening communication and co-ordination on macroeconomic policies to jointly respond to external risks and challenges; promoting practical financial and economic co-operation to support long-term sustainable development in the Asia-Pacific region; and advancing regional economic integration and fostering an Asia-Pacific community.

After the meeting, visits to the Hong Kong Museum of Art, the Hong Kong Palace Museum, and a boat tour to enjoy the renowned views of Victoria Harbour were arranged for members of delegations from participating economies and international organisations. These tours offered them a first-hand experience of the city's unique charm, where Eastern and Western cultures converge and development goes hand in hand with culture.