Hong Kong’s Financial Secretary, Paul Chan, is embarking on a strategic, multi-city European visit this week aimed at strengthening trade ties, attracting investment, and promoting the city’s enduring competitive advantages in finance and innovation. Mr. Chan departed late Monday, November 24th, for engagements spanning London and Milan, where he will meet influential business leaders and spearhead a large-scale promotional delegation.
The trip underscores Hong Kong’s proactive efforts to re-engage with established European markets and position itself as a crucial gateway, particularly for high-value family offices and emerging technology sectors. During Mr. Chan’s absence, Deputy Financial Secretary Michael Wong will assume the role of Acting Financial Secretary.
Deepening UK Financial and Trade Links
Mr. Chan’s first stop is London, where he plans a two-day schedule on November 25th and 26th focused intently on the financial sector. Key events include the prestigious Hong Kong Dinner hosted by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and a luncheon organized by the Hong Kong Association.
The Hong Kong Association, a vital link promoting commercial and trade relationships between the United Kingdom and Hong Kong, boasts over 80 corporate members, including major international financial institutions and multinational corporations. Mr. Chan is scheduled to conduct targeted meetings with senior executives in finance and investment, as well as representatives from key family office groups. These sessions are critical for updating European investors on the latest economic developments in Hong Kong and showcasing opportunities in the region.
Promoting Hong Kong as an Innovation Hub in Milan
Following the London engagements, Mr. Chan will travel to Milan, Italy, from November 27th to 28th to lead a substantial high-level delegation. The highlight of the Italy leg is the HKTDC’s ambitious “Think Business, Think Hong Kong” promotional event and an associated Hong Kong Dinner.
The delegation accompanying the Financial Secretary is notably diverse and robust, encompassing approximately 80 representatives across governmental, public, and private industry sectors. Key public organizations involved include the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, Invest Hong Kong, the Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises (OASES), Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing, and the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation.
The private sector delegation provides a snapshot of Hong Kong’s economic priorities, featuring experts across:
- Financial and Professional Services
- Biotechnology and Logistics
- Information Age Technologies (AI and IT)
- Design and Creative Industries
In Milan, the Financial Secretary will also hold bilateral meetings with top Italian industrial figures and senior corporate executives. The purpose of these meetings is to explore mutual trade and investment opportunities, especially leveraging Italy’s manufacturing and design strengths with Hong Kong’s financing and market access capabilities.
Mr. Chan is scheduled to conclude his European tour and depart Milan around midday local time on Thursday, November 28th, arriving back in Hong Kong the following morning. The tour is a concentrated effort to reinforce Hong Kong’s status as a super-connector and demonstrate resilience and adaptability in a shifting global economic landscape, targeting high-quality foreign direct investment and vital partnerships.