State Council Vice Premier He Lifeng today attended and delivered a keynote speech at the Global Financial Leaders’ Investment Summit held in Hong Kong.

Mr He said President Xi Jinping and the central government attach much importance to the development of Hong Kong. He also pointed out that with the strong support of the central government, effective leadership of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, and joint efforts from all sectors of Hong Kong society, the city has achieved new accomplishments in economic and social development, and its financial system remains vibrant.

Emphasising that building, consolidating and developing Hong Kong as an international financial centre is not only necessary for Hong Kong but also important to the country, he told the audience that the central government has always positioned the development of Hong Kong as an international financial centre from a strategic perspective, and will continue to improve the policy system supporting the city's construction as a global financial hub.

As always, the central government will give full support and safeguards to Hong Kong in deepening financial reform and ensuring financial stability, Mr He stated.

Chief Executive John Lee, who has just concluded Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation meetings in Lima, Peru, said the Vice Premier's participation in the summit reflected the support and the great importance the country attaches to Hong Kong as an international financial centre.

Noting that the Third Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China adopted a resolution on further deepening reform to advance Chinese modernisation, Mr Lee said that the resolution calls on Hong Kong to fully harness the institutional strengths of “one country, two systems” while enhancing its status as an international financial, shipping and trade centre, and supports Hong Kong in exerting a greater role in the country’s opening up to the world.

The Hong Kong SAR Government will continue to take forward the reforms in the financial sector, consolidating the city’s position as an international financial hub, and leveraging its advantages of enjoying strong national support while maintaining unparalleled connectivity with the world, the Chief Executive stressed.