'Summit Highlights Financial Opportunities In Asia'

Financial Secretary Paul Chan on Wednesday said the Global Financial Leaders’ Investment Summit will help highlight to the financial world business opportunities in Hong Kong and the region.

In an exclusive interview with RTHK, he said the top-level executives attending the event, which kicked off today and will last until Friday, will show that Hong Kong is back.

“They come, look at this place, see for themselves how resilient and vibrant this city is,” Chan said.

“And through the discussions this morning, they will have a better idea as to the opportunities here and in the region. I think that would be very important in the planning of their future investments.”

In the interview, the finance chief also stressed the importance of green bonds, saying they can speed up the government’s plans to build many infrastructure projects for Hong Kong.

“The purpose of these green bonds is to raise funds to enable us to move forward as planned, despite at the moment, the fiscal situation of the government seems to be a little tight.

“So I do think by using green bonds, it would help us expedite the progress of our projects.”

Chan noted that several local companies have been issuing green bonds, adding that the Hainan government has also offered such financial products in the SAR to support marine projects in the province.

Earlier on Wednesday, Chief Executive John Lee told top-level bankers and financial industry leaders from around the world that "this is the moment" to do business in Hong Kong as the worst is behind the SAR and abundant opportunities await.