Financial Secretary Paul Chan, accompanying the Chief Executive on his visit to Beijing, called on Minister of Finance Lan Fo’an today.

Mr Chan thanked the Ministry of Finance for its staunch support to Hong Kong in various areas. He then had in-depth exchanges with Mr Lan on the economic and financial situations of the Mainland, Hong Kong and the world, the development of Hong Kong as an international financial centre, mutual access between the capital markets of the Mainland and Hong Kong, as well as strengthening the co-operation of audit supervision on Mainland enterprises listed in Hong Kong.

Upon arriving in Beijing, Mr Chan visited the research and development headquarters of a Mainland new energy vehicle enterprise and met its representatives.

The company, listed in Hong Kong and supported by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government’s Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises, is positively considering to conduct key scientific research projects, establish a financial management centre and a trade settlement centre in Hong Kong, as well as to launch research co-operation with Hong Kong universities and research institutions.

Pointing out that Hong Kong has competitive advantages in artificial intelligence, new energy and new materials, along with international capital and a pool of research and development talent, Mr Chan encouraged the company to leverage Hong Kong’s advantages to launch research and development, expand into the global market and grow its business.

The Financial Secretary will continue his visit to Beijing tomorrow and accompany the Chief Executive to attend the 27th Beijing-Hong Kong Economic Cooperation Symposium & Beijing-Hong Kong Cooperation Promotion Conference.