Finance ministers from Asia-Pacific economies called for stronger regional cooperation to sustain trade and investment flows amid geopolitical tensions and uncertainty over trade policies, following a two-day meeting in Hong Kong.
The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Finance Ministers’ Meeting, held on October 20-21 for the first time in Hong Kong, concluded with a joint statement reaffirming members’ commitment to building an open, dynamic, resilient, and peaceful Asia-Pacific community by 2040.
China’s Finance Minister Lan Fo’an, who chaired the meeting, said participants should implement agreements reached at the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting, uphold multilateralism, and deepen cooperation on fiscal and financial matters to support regional stability and sustainable growth.
Hong Kong Financial Secretary Paul Chan said economies in the region needed to maintain open channels for trade and investment while managing financial risks and developing new sources of long-term growth.
“Connected markets allow capital to reach productive uses and technologies be adopted across borders,” Chan said during a session on the global and regional economic and financial outlook on October 20.
He said Hong Kong would use its position as an international financial centre, along with its financing channels and professional services, to connect businesses and investors across markets.
The meeting took place as economies contend with geopolitical tensions and uncertainty over trade policies, raising the importance of cross-border coordination on financial stability and economic growth.
Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee said the city was honoured to host the meeting as part of APEC China 2026. The participating economies represent about three billion people and account for more than 60% of global gross domestic product, he said.
Lee also highlighted Hong Kong’s role as an international financial centre under China’s “one country, two systems” framework, which allows the city to maintain its own legal and regulatory system.
Alongside the ministerial meeting, the Hong Kong Monetary Authority and the APEC Business Advisory Council held two seminars on October 20 focusing on financing digitalised, inclusive and sustainable supply chains, and mobilising capital for nature-related investments.
The discussions brought together regulators, business leaders and experts to examine ways to expand financing and regional cooperation for sustainable development.
Hong Kong Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury Christopher Hui said cooperation among economies was necessary to respond to changing economic conditions and strengthen financial resilience.
The finance ministers’ meeting also provided an opportunity for participating economies and international organisations to discuss regional financial and economic developments.
Following the meeting, Lee and other Hong Kong officials met Lan at Government House to exchange views on economic and financial developments in mainland China and Hong Kong.
The gathering was part of a broader programme of activities for visiting delegations, including tours of cultural institutions and landmarks across the city.
