Chen Maobo: Hong Kong can support ASEAN in seizing relevant opportunities from three aspects: finance, platforms, and talent.

On September 9, Paul Chan Mo-po, the Financial Secretary of Hong Kong, stated during a keynote lunch at the "Belt and Road Summit Forum" that ASEAN's economic performance remains strong and is becoming an important driver of global growth. Its role is gradually shifting from a traditional production base to an important partner in technological advancement and industrial upgrading, and Hong Kong can support ASEAN in seizing related opportunities through finance, platforms, and talent. Paul Chan Mo-po pointed out that according to data from the International Monetary Fund, ASEAN's economy grew by 4.9% last year, and it is projected to grow by 4.5% this year, both of which are more than 1 percentage point above the global average, indicating a deep structural transformation. The bilateral trade volume between China and ASEAN exceeded one trillion US dollars last year, and ASEAN has been China's largest trading partner for six consecutive years. He emphasized that the nature of trade is changing, with intermediate products, components, and other production inputs now accounting for about two-thirds of the total, with the fastest-growing categories including electronic parts, new energy equipment, and smart devices. Paul Chan Mo-po believes that the regional growth prospects bring three dividends: in terms of demographic dividend, the population of ASEAN member countries exceeds 680 million, with nearly half under the age of 30; in terms of market dividend, the middle class continues to expand and is expected to account for about two-thirds of the regional population by 2030; and in terms of technological dividend, regional cooperation can extend from traditional trade to joint technological research and development as well as knowledge sharing. He emphasized that to convert these advantages into sustainable growth, it is essential to have patient capital, an open and well-regulated testing environment, and a strong talent pool. In terms of finance, Hong Kong can leverage its advantage as an international financial center to connect global investors with local innovative enterprises, providing diversified financing channels such as listings, venture capital, private equity, and family offices to support emerging industries like artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, and new energy with long-term funding while assisting enterprises in enhancing governance and expanding into international markets. In terms of platforms, the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, which brings together research and development, advanced manufacturing, supply chains, and a market of approximately 88 million people, can support enterprises from research and development, testing, validation, to commercialization. The Northern Metropolitan Area will strengthen collaboration between Hong Kong and cities like Shenzhen, facilitating the flow of technology, talent, and capital and providing a platform for ASEAN enterprises to explore the Greater Bay Area and mainland markets. In terms of talent, Hong Kong has world-class universities, an international business environment, and professional services that can attract research and entrepreneurial talent. Hong Kong can also promote cooperation in areas such as artificial intelligence, fintech, smart logistics, and cross-border payments, facilitating the alignment of technical standards, knowledge exchange, and the secure and orderly flow of data, serving as a bridge connecting innovation, capital, and markets.