Hong Kong successfully hosted the APEC Finance Ministers' Meeting (FMM) 2026 for the first time, bringing together finance leaders and international organisation representatives from October 20-21 to discuss regional financial and economic development. The event, part of APEC China 2026, concluded with the issuance of the 2026 APEC Finance Ministers' Joint Statement, which reaffirmed the commitment to building an open, dynamic, resilient, and peaceful Asia-Pacific community by 2040.
The meeting carries significant weight for the region: APEC member economies represent some three billion people and account for over 60 per cent of global GDP, making their coordinated stance on trade and financial stability a key signal for global markets. Minister of Finance and chair of the 2026 FMM, Lan Fo'an, 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.
John Lee, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government, welcomed participants and highlighted the historic nature of the event. "This is a historic occasion for Hong Kong. The APEC Finance Ministers' Meeting - part of APEC China 2026 - is taking place in our city for the very first time," Mr Lee said. He emphasised Hong Kong's unique advantages under the "one country, two systems" principle, noting that the city is the only common law jurisdiction in China and has a legal and regulatory regime similar to most of the world's top financial hubs.
Paul Chan, Financial Secretary of the HKSAR, addressed the plenary session on Global and Regional Economic and Financial Outlook, stressing the need for open channels for trade and investment amid geopolitical tensions and trade policy uncertainties. "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," Mr Chan said. He added that Hong Kong would leverage its diverse financing channels and professional services as an international financial centre to serve as a "super connector" and "super value-adder."
On the sidelines, the Hong Kong Monetary Authority and the APEC Business Advisory Council held thematic seminars on fostering a digitalised, inclusive and sustainable supply chain ecosystem through finance, and on mobilising capital for nature. Christopher Hui, Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, noted that prosperity will be built through partnership, innovation and resilience rather than by any economy acting alone. The discussions underscore a regional push toward sustainable finance and supply chain resilience, areas that could shape investment flows and regulatory co-operation in the years ahead.
The FMM's outcomes are likely to influence how Asia-Pacific economies co-ordinate fiscal and financial policies, particularly as they balance growth ambitions with risk management. For businesses and investors, the emphasis on connected markets and multilateral co-operation signals a continued push against protectionism, while Hong Kong's role as a gateway between China and global markets is reinforced. The meeting also provided a platform for bilateral exchanges, with Mr Lee meeting Mr Lan at Government House to discuss economic and financial development of the Chinese Mainland and Hong Kong.
As the region navigates profound economic transformation, the commitments made in Hong Kong set a collaborative tone for addressing shared challenges. The event's success highlights the city's capacity to host major international gatherings and reinforces its status as an international financial centre. For more information about Hong Kong's role as Asia's world city, visit https://www.brandhk.gov.hk/.
