AIIB president, Paul Chan discuss closer HK ties

Financial Secretary Paul Chan met with Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank President Zou Jiayi in Doha to discuss strengthening cooperation in regional infrastructure development, sustainable development, and harnessing Hong Kong's strengths in finance and professional services. Chan expressed support for the bank's plan to establish an office in Hong Kong and highlighted potential areas of expanded collaboration, such as catastrophe bond issuance and green finance.

In a separate meeting, Chan also talked to Qatar's Finance Minister Ali bin Ahmed Al Kuwari, emphasizing the potential for greater cooperation between Hong Kong and the Middle East. He noted that the Middle East's focus on economic diversification had opened new avenues for both regions. Chan pointed out that Hong Kong's expertise in finance, trade, and innovation could complement Qatar's development initiatives.

Speaking to the Qatari Businessmen Association, Chan outlined Hong Kong's unique advantages under its "One Country, Two Systems" policy and introduced the development of the Northern Metropolis and the "South North Dual Engine" economic model. He encouraged Qatari firms to invest in Hong Kong's innovation and technology sectors.

Chan also mentioned that Hong Kong would explore mutual recognition arrangements with the Qatar Stock Exchange to enable Qatari companies to list on both exchanges, facilitating their expansion into China and the Asia-Pacific region. Chan will continue his engagements related to the AIIB Annual Meeting on Monday before returning to Hong Kong late on that evening.