Chen Maobo: Challenges and opportunities expected by 2025 coexist. We should further promote connectivity and develop innovative technologies.

Hong Kong Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po attended the Hong Kong Chinese General Chamber of Commerce's "Chamber Forum 2025" and said that looking ahead to 2025, the Hong Kong economy is still in the process of structural adjustment. With the complex and ever-changing global political and economic environment, especially with the Trump administration in the United States coming into power, there will be even greater uncertainty. It can be expected that 2025 will be a year of high market volatility, with challenges and opportunities coexisting. Paul Chan Mo-po stated that benefiting from the strong support of the country, as well as Hong Kong's unique conditions and the unremitting efforts of the government and society, the deepening of the "connectivity" with the mainland capital market has continued to expand and increase incrementally. The further enhancement of "connectivity" should not only strengthen traditional relations with Europe and the United States but also vigorously explore new markets and sources of funding. Hong Kong is also connected to various sectors in the global south, including the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and even countries in Central Asia. Last year, Hong Kong successfully listed two Hong Kong stock ETFs in Saudi Arabia. In addition, mainland enterprises are actively expanding their businesses overseas, deeply engaging in the international division of labor and cooperation. Hong Kong can become a hub for multinational value chain management and trade finance, from supply point management, trade finance to cross-border settlement, and even providing investment and risk management tools for different currencies, providing the necessary funds and professional high-value-added services for mainland enterprises expanding overseas. Hong Kong has injected new momentum into its economy with innovation and technology. With strong support from the country, Hong Kong is vigorously building an international innovation and technology center, and in recent years, the SAR government has continuously strengthened its systematic investment in innovation and technology. The ecological environment of Hong Kong's innovation and technology industry is thriving, with the introduction of key companies, offices, the Innovation and Technology Bureau, the Invest Hong Kong, etc., all contributing to the development of a vibrant ecosystem for artificial intelligence, data science, life and health technology, financial technology, new energy, and more, attracting relevant companies and talents.