Hong Kong Hosts First APEC Finance Ministers Meeting

Hong Kong is hosting the APEC Finance Ministers Meeting for the first time on October 20 and 21 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. Organized by the Financial and Treasury Services Bureau and the Ministry of Finance of the People's Republic of China, the event aims to strengthen the city's position as an international financial center and an offshore renminbi hub.

Paul Chan Mo-po, the Finance Chief of Hong Kong, stated the meeting will focus on inclusive finance, digital infrastructure financing, young financial talent, and fiscal policies for livelihoods. China's Finance Minister Lan Foan is scheduled to deliver the opening keynote speech. While Australian Treasurer Jim Chalmers and South Korean Deputy Prime Minister Lee Hyoung-il are expected to attend, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent may skip the event to prepare for President Donald Trump's upcoming visit to Shenzhen.

Taiwanese Finance Minister Chuang Tsui-yun is leading a delegation, including Financial Supervisory Commission Vice Chairman Chen Yen-liang, to participate as Chinese Taipei. The Taiwanese delegation intends to share policy experiences regarding artificial intelligence in tax administration and economic growth. They also plan to hold discussions with the International Monetary Fund, the Asian Development Bank, and the APEC Business Advisory Council to promote private investment in digital infrastructure and financial innovation.