Exclusive | Davos leaders were focused on Hong Kong’s business situation, not Section 23 of the national security law, says finance chief Paul Chan

Global business and political leaders who met with Hong Kong’s finance chief at a high-profile summit in Switzerland are more concerned about Hong Kong’s economic development than their country’s impending national security law, top officials say. told the Post.

“They have some concerns about the mainland’s economic development and its consequent impact on Hong Kong… [I am taking] …This is an opportunity to explain to them what we have been doing over the past year in terms of attracting strategic companies and talent to Hong Kong,” he said.

“They are impressed with what we have achieved so far, and I am [have also taken] …an opportunity to show them how they can become even more competitive. [and] Grow our innovation and technology department. ”

Zhang added that summit participants were impressed by Chinese Premier Li Qiang’s speech in Davos on Tuesday. Premier Li Qiang spoke about the continued opening up of mainland China and the strategies the country is taking to promote high-quality development.

“[Article 23] It’s mentioned, but not very often. And they understand that this is a bill that we have to pass,” Chan said.

“Some of them are of the opinion that they should probably pass this bill as soon as possible and then focus on business and how to use Hong Kong as a platform to seize opportunities on the mainland and in Asia. ”

Article 23 requires Hong Kong to enact its own laws to punish acts of rebellion, secession, sedition and subversion against the central government. It must also target the theft of state secrets and the influence of foreign political groups in local affairs.

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Chan stressed that discussions with leaders at Davos will continue to focus on business opportunities.

“Still, there are quite a few people who haven’t been to Hong Kong for quite some time,” he says. “So they want to know more…and we have a lot of big events coming up this year. Seeing is believing, so come and see for yourself. .”

The minister added that he had also met with companies, including high-tech unicorns, which he invited to set up shop in Hong Kong.

Hong Kong and Saudi Arabia deepen cooperation, focusing on Arab expansion into Asia

On his first day in Davos, Chan met with Nigerian Vice President Kassim Shettima, an American stablecoin issuer and an Israeli artificial intelligence company.

In talks with Saudi Finance Minister Mohammed al-Jadaan, Mr Chan praised the “encouraging progress” in expanding cooperation between Saudi Arabia and Hong Kong over the past two years and looked forward to further strengthening financial and business ties. He said there was.

On the second day, Mr. Chan met with World Bank President Ajay Banga and exchanged views on strengthening investment and financing for green and sustainable projects and cooperation among southern countries.

He also attended a breakfast and roundtable discussion hosted by a multinational bank to discuss the latest economic and social developments in Hong Kong.