APEC Finance Ministers Meeting opens in Hong Kong with enhanced security at Convention Centre
The APEC Finance Ministers Meeting began on 20 October in Hong Kong, with tight security at the Wan Chai Convention Centre. The two-day closed-door session focuses on regional economic growth, digital infrastructure financing, and inclusive finance, with a joint statement expected at the close.
The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Finance Ministers Meeting opened on Tuesday, 20 October, for a two-day session in Hong Kong, with heightened security at the Wan Chai Convention Centre. Police erected metal gates at the Harbour Road entrance, barring general vehicles from entering the venue, RTHK reported.
According to the agenda, the first day began with a closed-door meeting lasting approximately one and a half hours, where finance ministers or their representatives held informal discussions on driving economic growth in the Asia-Pacific region. A working lunch with the APEC Business Advisory Council followed, during which business representatives presented proposals on mobilising private capital and supporting digital infrastructure financing.
The opening ceremony is scheduled for around 2:00 pm, with Chinese Finance Minister Lan Fo'an delivering the keynote address. Chen Xu, chair of the APEC Senior Officials' Meeting, will report on the progress and outcomes of the 'APEC China Year'. Finance officials and representatives from various economies will then break into multiple sessions to discuss a range of trade and economic topics. A welcome dinner will be held in the evening.
The meeting will conclude on Wednesday, 21 October, with the release of a joint statement by the finance ministers and a press conference, according to the organiser.
This marks the third time China has hosted APEC, and the first time Hong Kong has convened the Finance Ministers Meeting. The gathering focuses on four priority areas: fiscal policies that support people's livelihoods, digital infrastructure financing, promoting inclusive financial development, and exchange and cooperation among young financial professionals.