AIIB president, Paul Chan discuss closer HK ties

Financial Secretary Paul Chan discussed deepening co-operation in regional infrastructure development, sustainable development, and making better use of Hong Kong's strengths in financial markets and professional services during a meeting with Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank President Zou Jiayi in Doha on Sunday. He welcomed the bank's plan to set up an office in the SAR, and expressed hope for expanded co-operation in areas including catastrophe bond issuance and green finance. The financial secretary also met separately with Qatar's Finance Minister Ali bin Ahmed Al Kuwari, as he promoted closer co-operation between Hong Kong and the Middle East. Chan said the Middle East's push for economic diversification had created new opportunities for both sides, adding that Hong Kong could leverage its strengths in finance, trade, and innovation to complement Qatar's development needs. Speaking to the Qatari Businessmen Association, Chan highlighted the SAR's advantages under "One Country, Two Systems". He also introduced the development of the Northern Metropolis and the "South North Dual Engine" layout, and invited Qatari firms to invest in the city's innovation and technology industries. Chan told the business community that Hong Kong would explore mutual recognition arrangements with the Qatar Stock Exchange to facilitate dual listings by Qatari enterprises seeking to expand in China...