The International Organization of Securities Commissions has chosen Hong Kong to host the 31st Annual Conference of IOSCO in 2006 - providing an opportunity for Asia's world city to showcase its strengths as a financial centre, the Finanacial Secretary says.

Henry Tang said hundreds of overseas delegates, support staff and observers will visit  Hong Kong during the week-long conference, tentatively scheduled for early June 2006. This will bring considerable economic benefit, and reinforce Hong Kong's international image.

"This will be a wonderful opportunity for Hong Kong to showcase to the world our strengths as an international financial centre and a premier fund-raising centre for the Mainland and the region," Mr Tang said.

He congratulated the Securities & Futures Commission on its efforts to bid for the conference, and wished it every success in hosting the international event.

IOSCO backgrounder

IOSCO is the primary forum for international co-operation among securities regulators. It has 181 members from more than 100 jurisdictions. Members meet every year at the annual conference to discuss issues related to world securities and futures markets.

The announcement was made at the end of the IOSCO Annual Conference in Seoul this week. Jordan will host the event in 2004, and Sri Lanka in 2005.