The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Finance Ministers' Meeting (FMM) 2026 concluded in Hong Kong on October 21, marking the first time the city has hosted the event. The two-day gathering, held October 20-21, brought together finance leaders and representatives of international organisations for in-depth exchanges on regional financial and economic development, according to Media OutReach Newswire.
The significance of the meeting lies in both its symbolic and practical dimensions. The FMM issued the 2026 APEC Finance Ministers' Joint Statement, reaffirming a commitment to building an open, dynamic, resilient, and peaceful Asia-Pacific community by 2040. Lan Fo'an, Minister of Finance and chair of the 2026 FMM, urged all parties to firmly implement the consensus reached at the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting, uphold multilateralism, and deepen practical co-operation in fiscal and financial affairs to contribute to regional economic and financial stability and long-term sustainable growth.
Hong Kong's hosting of the event carries particular weight given the current global economic climate. John Lee, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, described the occasion as historic, noting that the FMM is part of APEC China 2026 and brings together member economies representing some three billion people and accounting for over 60 per cent of global GDP. He emphasised that under the unique 'one country, two systems' principle, Hong Kong enjoys both the China advantage and the global advantage, being the only common law jurisdiction in China with a legal and regulatory regime similar to most of the world's top financial hubs.
Paul Chan, Financial Secretary of the HKSAR, addressed the plenary session on Global and Regional Economic and Financial Outlook, warning that amid geopolitical tensions and uncertainties over trade policies, Asia-Pacific economies should strengthen co-operation to maintain the smooth flow of trade and investment while guarding against financial risks. He stressed the need for open channels for trade and investment rather than new barriers, noting that connected markets allow capital to reach productive uses and technologies to be adopted across borders. Chan added that Hong Kong would leverage its diverse financing channels and professional services to serve as a 'super connector' and 'super value-adder'.
The meeting also featured two thematic seminars held by the Hong Kong Monetary Authority and the APEC Business Advisory Council on fostering a digitalised, inclusive and sustainable supply chain ecosystem through finance, and mobilising capital for nature. Christopher Hui, Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, said prosperity would not be secured by any economy acting alone but built through partnership, innovation and resilience.
The implications extend beyond the meeting itself. Following the conclusion of the FMM, Lee and other officials met Lan at Government House to exchange views on the economic and financial development of the Chinese Mainland and Hong Kong, with Lee expressing gratitude for the country's support and affirmation of Hong Kong's status as an international financial centre. Delegations were also given tours of the city's cultural heritage sites, further reinforcing Hong Kong's appeal as an international metropolis. More information about Hong Kong's positioning is available at https://www.brandhk.gov.hk/.
