Hong Kong Stock Exchange Chan Yiteng: Geopolitical tensions have become opportunities, and international funds are pouring into Asian markets at an accelerated pace.

Charles Li, CEO of Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (00388), stated at the annual meeting of the Federation of Asian and Oceanian Stock Exchanges that despite the uncertain global geopolitical situation, international investors' interest in the Asian markets has not waned. In fact, it has made them more actively seek opportunities for investment in the region. He emphasized that HKEX has a unique advantage - it can connect mainland opportunities and access global capital, making it an ideal platform for exchange partners. Li pointed out that Asia's significance in the global economic landscape is increasing. Data shows that from 2014 to 2024, the amount of funds allocated by global investors to Asia has doubled, reaching approximately $6 trillion. At the same time, the total market value of capital markets in Asia has quadrupled since 2000, surpassing $34 trillion by the end of 2024. The 17 member exchanges under the Federation account for about a quarter of the total market value of global stock markets. She mentioned that the "Connect" mechanism currently accounts for over 70% of international holdings in mainland A-shares, and will celebrate its tenth anniversary of the Shenzhen-Hong Kong Stock Connect later this year. In addition, HKEX recently collaborated with Bursa Malaysia and Korea Exchange to launch co-branded indices, and signed agreements with multiple Southeast Asian exchanges to explore dual listing arrangements. Li described these collaborative efforts as bridges that will connect participants and opportunities in various markets, creating a large pool of capital in the region.