Financial Secretary Paul Chan began his visit to London yesterday where he attended the annual "Hong Kong Dinner" engagement to share the latest developments in Hong Kong with participants.
 
The dinner event, with about 350 leaders from the British political and business sectors and professionals invited to attend, was organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council.
 
In his keynote speech delivered at the event, Mr Chan highlighted Hong Kong’s commitment to the rule of law and its competitive status in the global economy.
 
“This is exemplified by the ranking, last year, of Hong Kong’s rule of law under the World Justice (Project) Rule of Law Index. Coming in 23rd out of 142 countries and jurisdictions, we may trail the UK, but we are still ahead of the US. And we were in the top 10 in the absence of corruption.
 
“And, just two days ago, the Global Financial Centres Index announced that Hong Kong had climbed back to third overall - and gunning for London. We need to be ambitious.”
 
Apart from pointing out that Hong Kong has a bright development outlook, Mr Chan welcomed British businesses and talent to explore opportunities in the city.
 
In the morning, the Financial Secretary attended the plenary of the Hong Kong-Europe Business Council and a roundtable meeting hosted by the UK-based think tank Asia House. During the session, he introduced Hong Kong's development strategies to European financial and business leaders, focusing on consolidating and enhancing the city’s development as international financial, trade, and shipping centre.
 
In the afternoon, Mr Chan met UK Economic Secretary to the Treasury Tulip Siddiq and Governor of the Bank of England Andrew Bailey to discuss matters of mutual concern.
 
He also called on Chinese Ambassador to the UK Zheng Zeguang, and introduced the latest situation and development directions of Hong Kong.
 
Mr Chan will continue his visit in London today.