许正宇：2026年全面提升香港国际金融中心功能 聚焦股市、离岸人民币、黄金等

Core Viewpoint - Hong Kong aims to enhance its role as an international financial center by overcoming external challenges and focusing on various financial sectors, including stock market competitiveness, offshore RMB business, fixed income and currency markets, green finance, and fintech, while also exploring new opportunities in commodity trading and international gold transactions [1][2]. Group 1: Financial Forum Highlights - The 2026 Asian Financial Forum coincides with the start of the national "14th Five-Year Plan," gathering over 3,600 participants from 60 countries, including more than 140 financial officials and business leaders, to contribute to the future financial development of the nation [2]. - In 2025, Hong Kong experienced significant growth, with the Hang Seng Index rising approximately 30% and an average daily trading volume of about HKD 250 billion, while over 200 family offices established or expanded their operations in Hong Kong [2][3]. - Hong Kong maintained its position as the third global financial center and the top in Asia, reflecting its strong international recognition and investor confidence [2]. Group 2: Financial and Industrial Integration - The forum will introduce a global industry summit for the first time, emphasizing the integration of finance and industry, showcasing Hong Kong's role in supporting industrial development through financial means [3][4]. - In 2025, Hong Kong's new stock fundraising reached over HKD 280 billion, ranking first globally, highlighting the strength of its listing platform in supporting companies seeking capital for growth and innovation [3][4]. - The forum will focus on high-growth potential industries such as AI, biotechnology, robotics, new consumer trends, and green energy, demonstrating the synergistic effects of finance empowering industries [4]. Group 3: Commodity Market Focus - The forum will address the development of the gold market, reflecting Hong Kong's proactive approach to market changes amid rising geopolitical risks and trade policy uncertainties [4][5]. - The Chief Executive's proposal in the 2024 Policy Address to establish an international gold trading center underscores Hong Kong's strategic vision to capitalize on market opportunities and reinforce its status as an international financial hub [4][5]. - A discussion segment on "gold trading" will be held at the forum, featuring experts discussing international gold trading opportunities and a memorandum of cooperation with the Shanghai Gold Exchange will be signed [4][5].