The 19th Asian Financial Forum (AFF), organized by the Hong Kong SAR Government and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), successfully ended with over 4,000 leaders from more than 60 nations and regions in attendance. The event included participation from financial officials, leaders of multilateral organizations, and representatives from financial institutions, with discussions focusing on fostering innovation and economic growth.
Keynote speeches included that by Dr. José Manuel Barroso, former President of the European Commission, who discussed Hong Kong’s role in regional cooperation and drew parallels with Europe to accentuate economic integration. Dr. Zhu Min, from the China Center for International Economic Exchanges, highlighted opportunities arising from the internationalization of the renminbi, emphasizing Hong Kong’s pivotal position in providing liquidity and a bond market.
This year’s AFF introduced the Global Business Summit to emphasize the integration of finance with key industries. The summit featured discussions on topics like Chinese Mainland enterprises expanding globally and strategic collaboration for mutual growth, providing insights into market expansion opportunities and foreign investment strategies.
One significant outcome of the forum was the signing of a cooperation agreement between the Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau and the Shanghai Gold Exchange. This initiative aims to enhance the collaboration between Hong Kong and Shanghai gold markets, reinforcing Hong Kong’s status as an international gold trading hub.
The forum facilitated deal-making through initiatives like AFF Deal-making, which connected over 280 investors with more than 600 investment projects, resulting in over 800 meetings. HKTDC’s strategic approach enabled enterprises to find global partners, as exhibited by positive outcomes reported by participants like an Australian food processing project owner.
Additionally, the event showcased thematic zones such as FutureGreen Showcase, FintechHK Start-up Salon, InnoVenture Salon, and Global Investment Zone, featuring approximately 150 exhibitors. The FutureGreen Showcase, a new addition this year, promoted green finance and technology applications, reflecting a growing demand for sustainable solutions across various sectors.
Hong Kong’s role as a financial hub was further underlined by the International Financial Week 2026, hosting 14 industry events on topics such as ASEAN opportunities, digital finance, and green finance. The forum set the stage for Hong Kong’s continued development as a significant player in global finance, demonstrating its strategic importance to both regional and international economic landscapes.