Paul Chan, Financial Secretary, Hong Kong

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) faces severe and unprecedented challenges, from ongoing political uncertainty and geopolitical tensions, to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, there are signs that a recovery is underway with coronavirus cases abating and the IMF predicting a GDP growth of 4.3 per cent this year, a rebound from the 6.1 per cent contraction last year.

The 2021-22 Budget outlined by Hong Kong’s Financial Secretary Paul Chan in February included a package of measures to stimulate growth in new economic areas, including green finance, in a bid to overcome a notable deficit. To update Corporate Members on the progress made so far, Asia House will welcome Paul Chan for a digital briefing on 30 April.

The Financial Secretary will discuss Hong Kong’s economic outlook and its broader strategy to capture new opportunities – including those presented by China’s rebounding economy. Chan will also discuss the future of Hong Kong as a leading trade and investment hub amid strained international relations, and the opportunities emerging for the business and financial sectors in China’s national strategies, including the Belt and Road Initiative and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Development.

Chan was appointed Financial Secretary on 16 January, 2017. Prior to that, he served as Secretary for Development of the Hong Kong SAR Government from July 2012 to January 2017. Before joining the Government, Chan held a number of public service positions including member of the Legislative Council and Chairman of Legal Aid Services Council.

This briefing is being held exclusively for Asia House Corporate Members. Find out more about Corporate Membership at Asia House.

To register interest in joining this digital briefing, please email Edward Danks: edward.danks@asiahouse.co.uk