Hong Kong's Financial Secretary, Paul Chan, has commenced a visit to Europe. In Paris, France, he visited the French Asset Management Association (AFG). He stated that for French investors seeking both capital security and investment returns, Hong Kong, under the "one country, two systems" framework, offers advantages such as the free flow of capital and talent, a vibrant financial ecosystem, and capital markets that connect Mainland China with the global market, making it an ideal location for diversified asset allocation. The French Asset Management Association is the primary professional body representing France's asset management industry, with approximately 400 members, including about 330 asset management firms. Collectively, they manage around 90% of the French asset management industry's assets, totaling 5 trillion euros. During the meeting, Chan pointed out that Hong Kong's economy is expected to grow steadily in 2025 and the first quarter of 2026, with a robust financial system. The International Monetary Fund and two major credit rating agencies have recently given positive assessments of Hong Kong's economy and fiscal policies. Hong Kong's stock market rose by 28% in 2025, ranking first globally in initial public offering (IPO) fundraising, with several leading Mainland Chinese technology innovation companies listing in Hong Kong. The scale of the asset management industry is close to 3.9 trillion euros, with over 3,300 family offices, most of which manage assets exceeding $50 million. The asset and wealth management ecosystem is thriving. Meanwhile, the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area has a population of 87 million relatively affluent individuals and a GDP exceeding 1.7 trillion euros, creating substantial demand for offshore asset allocation. Chan also visited the think tank Paris Asia Center and met with several council members. The center focuses on researching geopolitical strategy, international relations and governance, and economic and social development trends. It is one of France's key institutions specializing in Asian strategic and geopolitical analysis. During the meeting, Chan shared updates on Hong Kong's latest economic and social conditions, as well as the direction and key areas for future development. He also exchanged views with the association's council members on the international economic and trade landscape and China's development. Chan emphasized that Hong Kong's "one country, two systems" arrangement will be upheld long-term, with competitive advantages built on multiple fronts, including common law, free port status, a low-tax regime, a stable business environment, predictable economic and financial policies, and connectivity with Mainland China's capital markets. These factors make Hong Kong the optimal gateway for international capital to access opportunities in China. In recent years, besides continuing to develop trade and finance, Hong Kong has actively fostered innovation and technology industries, focused on attracting enterprises and talent, and promoted the development of emerging industries such as artificial intelligence and biomedicine. The vast market and emerging and future industries in the Greater Bay Area will create broader application scenarios and development space for European products and enterprises. Furthermore, driven by the national dual-circulation policy, more Mainland Chinese enterprises are expected to establish factories and expand their businesses in Southeast Asia and Europe through Hong Kong. He welcomed the Paris Asia Center to engage in more diverse exchanges with Hong Kong, including organizing delegations to visit, to deepen mutual understanding and explore more opportunities for win-win cooperation between the financial and business communities of both regions.
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