John Lee: Hong Kong will continue to consolidate its position as the world's largest offshore RMB business hub.

The closing ceremony of the 2026 Financial Street Holdings Forum Annual Meeting was held in Beijing on the 22nd. Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu, in a video address, said that the world is currently undergoing accelerated changes unseen in a century, with intricate and complex geopolitics and rising unilateralism and protectionism. Finance is the lifeblood of the modern economy. In the face of the impact of economic fragmentation, the international community needs all the more to pool wisdom, break through difficulties through cooperation, and achieve long-term progress through synergy. Finance is Hong Kong's foundation and greatest advantage. Hong Kong will continue to consolidate its position as the world's largest offshore RMB business hub and use the vitality of finance to serve the country's high-level opening-up. John Lee Ka-chiu said Hong Kong will continue to strengthen its hub function connecting the country with global capital. Hong Kong's stock and bond markets have deep foundations, with strong performance in initial public offerings ranking among the world's top. The Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission will next year consult on streamlining prospectuses to facilitate quality overseas enterprises in listing and raising funds in Hong Kong. At the same time, through the dedicated task force for mainland enterprises going global and tax concessions for corporate treasury centers, Hong Kong will fully support mainland enterprises in making good use of Hong Kong's quality professional services to expand into international markets. Beyond financing, Hong Kong is becoming a treasure trove and safe haven for international capital. This year, Hong Kong rose to become the world's largest cross-border wealth management center. John Lee Ka-chiu said Hong Kong will continue to build a more competitive asset and wealth management ecosystem so that global capital can find the best allocation opportunities in Hong Kong. At the same time, Hong Kong is building Asia's top risk management center, promoting specialized insurance for emerging industries such as gold and green fuels, and building a solid defense line for the real economy. John Lee Ka-chiu said Hong Kong will build a diversified new financial ecosystem to serve the country's modern industrial system. Hong Kong is using gold as an entry point to build a commodities trading ecosystem and promote warehousing, clearing and settlement business for gold and non-ferrous metals. At the same time, Hong Kong's "Technology Enterprises Channel" will continue to provide efficient financing channels for mainland specialized, refined, distinctive and innovative enterprises and frontier technology companies. Hong Kong will also continue to promote carbon market cooperation in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and build a regional green finance and low-carbon transition ecosystem. In the future, Hong Kong will continue to play the role of "super connector" and "super value-adder," injecting stronger momentum into global financial mutual benefit and win-win outcomes.