Agenda to cover financial inclusion, digital infrastructure, global issues

Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu on Tuesday outlined the agenda for the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Finance Ministerial Meeting 2026, which will cover macroeconomic and financial conditions, financial inclusion, digital infrastructure financing, and exchanges among young finance professionals.

Speaking to reporters ahead of an Executive Council meeting, Lee promised visiting delegations from member economies a high-quality experience. A welcome dinner, discussions and site visits will also be held as part of the gathering, he said.

The meeting, hosted by the Ministry of Finance of the People’s Republic of China and organized by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government, will take place at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre on Oct 20 and 21.

Lee said the ministry is managing participant registration, and will provide hotel accommodation, transport and reception services in accordance with APEC guidelines. The SAR government will fully support the process to ensure a high-quality experience for all delegations.

“I sincerely thank the country for its trust in and support for the Hong Kong SAR. We will go all out to make the Finance Ministerial Meeting a success,” Lee said.

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The meeting, the first of its kind to be hosted by the city, is being held during APEC’s “China Year”. The flagship event, the 33rd APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting, will be held in Shenzhen in November.

Hong Kong has been a member of APEC since 1991, participating under the name “Hong Kong, China”.

Lee added that the city’s Legislative Council would begin a three-day joint debate on motions concerning Hong Kong’s first five-year plan — its socioeconomic roadmap for 2026-30 — and the 2026 Policy Address. He released both documents in September.

Chief Secretary Eric Chan Kwok-ki will lead the administration’s principal officials in discussions with lawmakers on the ideas behind the five-year plan and its content, Lee said.

He encouraged residents to follow the debate to better understand the significance of the long-term blueprint.

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Lee reiterated that the plan follows a comprehensive review of Hong Kong’s strengths, shortcomings, opportunities and risks, with targeted measures to “build on its strengths, address shortcomings, seize opportunities and manage risks”.

Reaffirming the plan’s key goals, Lee said it is intended to help the city achieve new economic development breakthroughs, steadily enhance international competitiveness, fast-track the Northern Metropolis’ development, significantly improve people’s livelihoods, and make substantial progress in integrating with and serving the country’s overall development.

Contact the writer at wanqing@chinadailyhk.com