Hong Kong hosted the APEC Finance Ministers' Meeting (FMM) 2026 for the first time on October 20-21, bringing together finance leaders and representatives of international organisations to discuss regional financial and economic development. The meeting concluded with the issuance of the 2026 APEC Finance Ministers' Joint Statement on October 21, which reaffirmed the commitment to building an open, dynamic, resilient, and peaceful Asia-Pacific community by 2040 for the prosperity of all people and future generations.
Lan Fo'an, Minister of Finance and chair of the 2026 FMM, urged all parties to firmly implement the consensus reached at the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting, uphold multilateralism, and deepen practical co-operation in fiscal and financial affairs to contribute to regional economic and financial stability and long-term sustainable growth. The meeting was part of APEC China 2026 and represents a significant international event for Hong Kong, as highlighted by John Lee, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government, who welcomed participants and noted that APEC member economies represent some three billion people and account for over 60 per cent of global GDP.
Under the unique 'one country, two systems' principle, Lee emphasised that Hong Kong enjoys both the China advantage and the global advantage, being the only common law jurisdiction in China with a legal and regulatory regime similar to most of the world's top financial hubs. This positioning was further underscored by Paul Chan, Financial Secretary of the HKSAR, who addressed the plenary session on Global and Regional Economic and Financial Outlook. Chan stressed that amid geopolitical tensions and uncertainties over trade policies, Asia-Pacific economies should strengthen co-operation to maintain the smooth flow of trade and investment, guard against financial risks, and nurture long-term growth drivers. He stated, "Regionally, we need open channels for trade and investment, not new barriers. Connected markets allow capital to reach productive uses and technologies be adopted across borders."
Chan also highlighted Hong Kong's role as a "super connector" and "super value-adder," leveraging its diverse financing channels and professional services as an international financial centre to support more resilient, sustainable, and inclusive growth across the Asia Pacific. The event featured two thematic seminars held on October 20 by the Hong Kong Monetary Authority and the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC), focusing on fostering a digitalised, inclusive and sustainable supply chain ecosystem through finance, and mobilising capital for nature. Christopher Hui, Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, welcomed participants and emphasised that prosperity will not be secured by any economy acting alone but through partnership, innovation, and resilience.
The FMM's outcomes hold significant implications for the region, as the joint statement sets a clear direction for member economies to enhance fiscal and financial co-operation, promote trade and investment flows, and address shared challenges. For Hong Kong, hosting the event reinforces its status as an international financial centre and demonstrates its capacity to facilitate dialogue and collaboration among APEC economies. The meeting also provided an opportunity for cultural exchange, with delegates visiting landmarks such as The Peak, Hong Kong Museum of Art, and Victoria Harbour. More information about Hong Kong's role as Asia's world city can be found at https://www.brandhk.gov.hk/.
As the Asia-Pacific region navigates an uncertain global landscape, the commitments made in Hong Kong signal a collective resolve to uphold multilateralism and pursue sustainable growth. The FMM's success underscores the importance of platforms like APEC in fostering dialogue and co-operation, and Hong Kong's first-time hosting of the event marks a milestone in its ongoing contribution to regional economic integration. The Media OutReach Newswire distributed the announcement, highlighting the global relevance of the meeting.
