Financial Secretary Paul Chan shared his views on green finance and briefed other participants on Hong Kong’s economic situation and development strategies on his second day at the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting in Davos, Switzerland.

At a breakfast meeting organised by the WEF’s Giving to Amplify Earth Action Initiative launched, Mr Chan discussed how to make effective use of finance to address various crises facing the planet.

He pointed to a significant global funding gap when it comes to responding to climate change, adding that countries should work to promote collaboration across the public, private and philanthropic sectors, in order to unlock private investment in green and transition projects.

He described Hong Kong as a leading green finance hub in Asia, boasting financial institutions, professional services and talent with relevant expertise and experience. The city’s thriving ecosystem of family offices, private equity funds, and wealth and asset managers, is conducive to channeling funds to climate transformation projects, he said.

Mr Chan stressed that Hong Kong looks forward to strengthening co-operation in this area with various other economies.

At the 2025 Davos-Caixin CEO Luncheon, Mr Chan briefed participants on Hong Kong’s latest economic situation and development strategies, including how it can leverage the advantages of being well connected both to Mainland China and other parts of the world under the “one country, two systems” principle. He emphasised Hong Kong’s unique advantages in collaborating with sister cities in the Greater Bay Area.

In the morning, Mr Chan also met Director-General of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Daren Tang to discuss strengthening co-operation in areas such as intellectual property protection, institutional development and talent training.

Mr Chan thanked WIPO for its support in establishing a technology and innovation support centre in Hong Kong, noting that the city aims to have it operational this year.

Additionally, Mr Chan met the United Arab Emirates’ Minister of State for Foreign Trade Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, and spoke to him about enhancing bilateral co-operation in finance and trade, as well as global and regional issues of mutual concern.

He also met stablecoin issuer Circle’s Chief Executive Officer Jeremy Allaire, to learn about the company's business development strategies in Asia. They exchanged views on the global development of digital assets and associated regulatory issues.

Attending the 2025 Davos-Tencent Finance Vision Dinner, Mr Chan elaborated on how Hong Kong can play the role of a “super connector” and “super value-adder” in the face of an increasingly complex international environment. He said that as it contributes to China’s high-level opening-up, Hong Kong will create value and opportunities for global businesses and investors.

He outlined Hong Kong’s new directions in reinforcing and enhancing its position as an international financial and trade centre, including its vigorous efforts to become a high value-added supply chain service centre.

The Financial Secretary also highlighted Hong Kong’s progress towards becoming an international innovation and technology centre. He noted that Hong Kong can help promote interconnected developments between China and developed economies, as well as emerging markets in the “Global South”.