The upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Finance Ministers’ Meeting 2026 in Hong Kong will cover macroeconomic and financial conditions, financial inclusion, digital infrastructure financing, and exchanges among young finance professionals, the city’s Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said on Tuesday, promising visiting delegations a high-quality experience.

A welcome dinner, discussions and site visits will also be held as part of the gathering.

The event, organized by the Ministry of Finance of the People’s Republic of China and hosted by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region’s government, will take place at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre on Oct 20 and 21.

Lee, speaking to reporters ahead of an Executive Council meeting, confirmed that the ministry is currently handling participant registration and that the SAR government will continue to work closely with the ministry to help delegations complete the process.

He said he was grateful for the country’s trust in and support for Hong Kong and pledged to “go all out” to host a successful meeting.

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The country’s Ministry of Finance will provide hotel accommodation, transport and hospitality arrangements in line with APEC’s established guidelines and requirements, he said, and that the SAR government would fully support the ministry’s work to ensure a high-quality experience.

The CE also noted that the city’s Legislative Council would begin a three-day joint debate tomorrow on motions concerning Hong Kong’s first five-year plan — the city’s socioeconomic roadmap for 2026 to 2030 — and his 2026 Policy Address. He released both documents in September.

Chief Secretary Eric Chan Kwok-ki will lead the administration’s principal officials in talks with lawmakers on the ideas behind the first five-year plan and its content, Lee said.

He encouraged residents to follow the debate to gain a better understanding of the long-term blueprint’s significance and importance.

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Lee reiterated that the plan follows a comprehensive review of Hong Kong’s strengths, shortcomings, opportunities and risks, with targeted measures outlined to “build on its strengths, address shortcomings, seize opportunities and manage risks”.

Reaffirming the plan’s key goals, Lee said it is set to help the city achieve new economic development breakthroughs, steadily boost international competitiveness, fast-track the Northern Metropolis’ development, improve people’s livelihoods significantly, and make substantial progress in integrating with and serving the country’s overall development. 

Contact the writer at wanqing@chinadailyhk.com