FS promotes HK as infrastructure finance hub at AIIB

Financial Secretary Paul Chan emphasized Hong Kong's commitment to supporting the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) during the bank's 11th annual meeting in Doha. Chan highlighted the importance of AIIB's role in facilitating preparatory work for infrastructure projects and creating a conducive environment for financing and successful project implementation.

At a business roundtable, Chan called upon AIIB members to foster knowledge and experience sharing, enhance project planning and preparation, and bolster project management and implementation capabilities to ensure the completion of infrastructure projects. He stressed that translating development needs into tangible projects necessitates not only financial assistance but also the ability to plan and execute projects throughout their entire lifecycle.

Chan presented a keynote address on digital public infrastructure, using Hong Kong's iAM Smart platform and Faster Payment System as examples of the city's advancements. He noted the rapid progress of artificial intelligence and its potential to improve the efficiency of such infrastructure, while also stressing the importance of strengthening cybersecurity and data privacy measures.

During the meeting, Chan met with Uzbekistan's Minister of Investment, Industry, and Trade, Laziz Kudratov, encouraging Uzbek enterprises to leverage Hong Kong's international financing platform, including opportunities for listing exchange-traded products and real estate investment trusts. Chan also had a meeting with the CEO of Qatar Development Bank, Abdulrahman Hesham Al-Sowaidi, to explore joint efforts for promoting bilateral trade, supporting the growth of startups in both countries, and strengthening investment cooperation in venture capital.