Hong Kong hosted the APEC Finance Ministers’ Meeting (FMM) 2026 on October 20-21, marking the first time the city has held the event. The meeting brought together finance leaders and representatives of international organisations to discuss regional financial and economic development, according to Media OutReach Newswire.
The significance of the event lies in its timing and location: Hong Kong, under the “one country, two systems” principle, serves as a bridge between China and global markets. As John Lee, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), noted, the meeting represents some three billion people and over 60 per cent of global GDP. “Hong Kong enjoys both the China advantage and the global advantage,” he said, highlighting the city’s common law jurisdiction and regulatory regime similar to other top financial hubs.
On October 21, the FMM issued the 2026 APEC Finance Ministers’ Joint Statement, reaffirming the commitment to building an open, dynamic, resilient, and peaceful Asia-Pacific community by 2040. Lan Fo’an, Minister of Finance and chair of the 2026 FMM, urged parties to uphold multilateralism and deepen practical co-operation in fiscal and financial affairs to contribute to regional economic and financial stability.
Paul Chan, Financial Secretary of the HKSAR, emphasized the need for open channels for trade and investment amid geopolitical tensions. “Regionally, we need open channels for trade and investment, not new barriers,” he said during a plenary session. Chan added that Hong Kong would leverage its diverse financing channels and professional services to act as a “super connector” and “super value-adder.”
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority and the APEC Business Advisory Council held two thematic seminars on digitalised supply chains and mobilising capital for nature. Christopher Hui, Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, stressed that prosperity is built through partnership and innovation. “In an era of profound economic transformation and evolving global challenges, prosperity will not be secured by any economy acting alone,” he said.
Following the meeting, John Lee met with Lan Fo’an to exchange views on economic and financial development, expressing gratitude for the country’s support of Hong Kong’s status as an international financial centre. Delegates also toured cultural sites including the Peak and Hong Kong Palace Museum. For more on Hong Kong’s role as Asia’s world city, visit Brand Hong Kong.
