AFF: Hong Kong prepares for “Mega Financial Event”
Global finance leaders are coming to Hong Kong this week on the 16th Asian Financial Forum (AFF) after the city’s ax for most of its Covid restrictions.
Organized by The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) and Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), AFF takes place on 11 and 12 January.
It is the first major business exchange event in 2023 attracting 17 business delegations, with more than 200 global representatives.
Keynote speakers include Ban Ki-mooneighth general secretary i United Nations; Helen Clark, former Prime Minister of New Zealand; and Christina Figueres, co-founder of Global optimism and former executive secretary of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.
Taking place at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center (HKCEC), AFF 2023 is themed “Accelerating Transformation: Impact ∙ Inclusion ∙ Innovation”. It will shine a spotlight on the current state of the global economy, as well as explore big questions via more than 40 panel discussions and workshops.
Back to business
“With the resumption of quarantine-free travel between the mainland and Hong Kong and the lifting of international travel restrictions in Hong Kong, we are pleased to see great interest in joining the AFF, including participating in person in Hong Kong,” said Dr. Patrick Lau, deputy managing director of HKTDC.
Mary Huen, chairman of the AFF Steering Committee and Cluster CEO, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Macau, at Standard Charteredalso added: “For Hong Kong, 2023 will be a year of recovery and return to normalcy.
“The imminent and orderly resumption of mainland travel will help stimulate our economy, improve market sentiment and consolidate Hong Kong’s role as a super-connector – bridging the gap between the mainland and international markets.
“We are delighted that this year’s Asian Financial Forum will see global leaders gather here physically to discuss the opportunities and challenges facing the financial industry, and reinforce Hong Kong’s status as an international financial centre.”
Exhibition zones include Fintech exhibitionit InnoVenture Salon, FintechHK Startup Salon and Global Investment Zone.
More than 120 local and international financial institutions, technology companies, startups, investment agencies and sponsors – included PwC, Standard Chartered Bank, Bank of China, HSBC, UBS, China International Capital Corporation, Huatai International, Hong King Exchanges and Clearing Limited – will also gather at the Forum.
AFF follows the reopening of Hong King-The border with China. The city – a special administrative region of China – has also resumed quarantine-free travel for the first time since the start of the pandemic. Overseas guests can also enjoy travel experiences, food and accommodation discounts and other opportunities.
