Gold takes centre stage as Hong Kong hosts first committee to build commodities ecosystem

Group 1 - Hong Kong is prioritizing the establishment of an international gold trading center as part of its strategy to enhance its role in global commodities trading [1][2] - The newly formed Commodity Strategy Committee aims to create a commodities ecosystem that extends beyond traditional finance, with a focus on gold trading [2][6] - Plans include the establishment of a gold central clearing system and a gold industry association in the coming year, along with deeper cooperation with the Shanghai Gold Exchange [3][4] Group 2 - A proposed model for gold trading involves importing gold to Hong Kong, refining it in Shenzhen, and then re-exporting it, which is expected to attract overseas gold refiners [4] - The Financial Secretary highlighted Hong Kong's potential to develop its commodities market, leveraging the free flow of capital, goods, and information under the "one country, two systems" framework [4][5] - The Commodity Strategy Committee will consist of leaders from various sectors to analyze global commodity market trends and provide policy recommendations [6]