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☆ Hong Kong Security Law Could Damage City’s Standing as Financial Hub
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-19 | by ( Keith Bradsher | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

Paul Chan, the top finance official of Hong Kong, traveled to Paris, London, Frankfurt and Berlin last September to lure foreign investors. Last month he abolished taxes on foreigners’ purchases of Hong Kong real estate. Mr. Chan’s brisk work pace represents an attempt to shore up Hong Kong’s role and image as the financial hub of Asia. Under its top leader, Xi Jinping, China has asserted greater influence in the past four years over Hong Kong’s laws and prosecutors. The mainland’s own economic struggles, especially in real estate, have further shaken confidence in Hong Kong as a place to put money.

Persons: Paul Chan, Xi Jinping Organizations: Hong Locations: Hong Kong, Paris, London, Frankfurt, Berlin, Asia, Beijing, Hong, China

☆ China's 5% GDP goal is 'attainable' but it won't be easy, says Hong Kong's financial secretary
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-05 | by ( Lee Ying Shan | In Ying-Shan-Lee | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

China's GDP target of 5% for 2024 is possible, but it won't be easy to achieve, Hong Kong's financial secretary told CNBC Tuesday after Beijing set a growth target of "around 5%" for this year. I think this is attainable, although it's not easy," Hong Kong's Financial Secretary Paul Chan told CNBC's Emily Chan, highlighting bright spots in China's export sector and domestic consumption. So this represents also a huge market for China's export," Chan said, adding that "we expect the export situation of the mainland will improve particularly into developing Asia." Domestic consumption is also a key driver for the city's growth in the short term, said the financial secretary. Hong Kong's GDP is projected to grow 2.5% to 3.5% this year.

Persons: it's, Paul Chan, CNBC's Emily Chan, Chan, Goldman Sachs Organizations: CNBC, Kong's, ASEAN, Association of Southeast, Nations, U.S . Locations: Beijing, China, Asia, U.S, Macao, Hong Kong

☆ China's 5% GDP target is 'attainable' but it won't be easy, says Hong Kong's financial secretary
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-05 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: 1 min

Share Share Article via Facebook Share Article via Twitter Share Article via LinkedIn Share Article via EmailChina's 5% GDP target is 'attainable' but it won't be easy, says Hong Kong's financial secretaryPaul Chan, Hong Kong's financial secretary, says the "export situation of the mainland will improve, particularly into developing Asia."

Persons: Hong, Paul Chan Locations: Asia

☆ Hong Kong GDP to grow 2.5%-3.5% in 2024, scraps property tightening measures
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-28 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

People cross an intersection in the Central business district of Hong Kong on Feb. 27, 2024. Hong Kong's economy is expected to grow 2.5%-3.5% this year, Financial Secretary Paul Chan said on Wednesday as he announced measures to bolster a flagging property market and support the economy. The special administrative region, which expanded 3.2% in 2023, will cancel all buy-side property tightening measures for residential properties and waive stamp duties payable on the transfer of REIT units, Chan said. "We decided to cancel all demand-side management measures for residential properties with immediate effect. We consider that the relevant measures are no longer necessary amidst the current economic and market conditions," Chan said, adding that there was room to further adjust measures for the property market.

Persons: Paul Chan, Chan Organizations: Financial, HK Locations: Central, Hong Kong, Hong

☆ Hong Kong scraps decade-old property restrictions to boost flagging economy
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-28 | by ( Laura He | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

These taxes had been introduced as early as 2010 to cool the city’s once red-hot property market, a pillar of the economy. Real estate and related industries play a key role in Hong Kong’s economy, accounting for as much as a fifth of the city’s gross domestic product (GDP). Hong Kong’s economy has struggled to regain momentum since it reopened after more than two years of self-imposed Covid isolation. Hong Kong’s stock market, where many of China’s largest and most important companies are listed, has become less popular with international investors. Late last year, the city’s stock exchange was overtaken by the National Stock Exchange of India (NSE) as the world’s seven largest bourse.

Persons: Paul Chan, “, ” Chan, Chan Organizations: Hong Kong CNN, Hong Kong, National Stock Exchange of India, bourse Locations: China, Hong Kong, Hong Kong’s, Victoria Harbour, Hong, Beijing, Washington, Asia

☆ Hong Kong property stocks jump after city scraps cooling measures
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-28 | by ( Lee Ying Shan | In Ying-Shan-Lee | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

An urban view of high-rise buildings at dusk as seen from Hong Kong's Victoria Peak. Stocks of Hong Kong developers rose after Financial Secretary Paul Chan scrapped property cooling measures in a bid to bolster the sector, which has been weighed down by high borrowing costs and weak economic sentiment. Churchouse added that this could "be a bit of a positive flip" for the wider Hong Kong stock market as it is highly correlated with the residential property market. Hong Kong's stock markets have plunged around 40% from its highs a couple of years ago. Hong Kong's government is also rolling out over 1 billion Hong Kong dollars ($127 million) to support its tourism industry.

Persons: Chan, Paul Chan, Peter Churchouse, Churchouse, Hong Organizations: Hong, Portwood, Kong's Monetary, Hong Kong Locations: Hong, Victoria, Hong Kong

☆ Asia's first ETF tracking Saudi equities debuts in Hong Kong
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-29 | by ( Xie Yu | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Bull statues in front of screens showing Hong Kong stock prices outside Exchange Square, in Hong Kong, China, August 18, 2023. REUTERS/Tyrone Siu/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsHONG KONG, Nov 29 (Reuters) - A new exchange-traded fund (ETF) tracking Saudi equities made its trading debut in Hong Kong on Wednesday, becoming the first product of its kind in Asia amid warming bilateral relations between China and Saudi Arabia. The ETF, called CSOP Saudi Arabia ETF (2830.HK), is managed by Hong Kong-based CSOP Asset Management. "Today is a milestone in our financial cooperation with Saudi Arabia," said Hong Kong Financial Secretary Paul Chan at a launch event. Through the ETF, investors in Hong Kong will be able to trade Saudi stocks including the oil giant Saudi Aramco (2222.SE) and the Saudi National Bank (1180.SE) in Hong Kong dollars or Chinese yuan.

Persons: Tyrone Siu, CSOP, Paul Chan, Yazeed, Humied, PIF, Xie Yu, Sumeet Chatterjee, Christopher Cushing Organizations: REUTERS, Saudi, Saudi Arabia ETF, HK, Management, Public Investment Fund, Hong, Hong Kong Financial, FTSE, Saudi Aramco, Saudi National Bank, Reuters, Hong Kong Stock Exchange, bourse, ETF, People's Bank of China, Saudi Central Bank, Thomson Locations: Hong Kong, Exchange, China, HONG KONG, Asia, Saudi Arabia, Saudi, FTSE Saudi Arabia, Europe, East, Africa, Beijing, Riyadh

WASHINGTON (AP) — The United States is hosting the annual APEC summit of world leaders this week for the first time since 2011. But the main summit event will actually be on the sidelines: A face-to-face meeting between President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping. The annual leaders' conference brings together heads of nations and other top economic and diplomatic leaders. That decision was regarded as a snub by some APEC leaders. Since then, the APEC leaders have posed together in batik shirts (Malaysia, 1998), Chinese jackets (Shanghai, 2001), flowing ponchos (Chile, 2004) and "ao dai” tunics (Vietnam, 2006.)

Persons: Joe Biden, Xi Jinping, Vladimir Putin, Gina Raimondo, isn't, Biden, Donald Trump, Kamala Harris, that's, Morris Chang, Paul Chan, John Lee, It's, Bill Clinton, Barack Obama, Obama Organizations: WASHINGTON, APEC, Economic Cooperation, Biden, Pacific, Thai, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co, Financial, Moody’s Investors Service Locations: United States, Asia, San Francisco, China, U.S, Israel, Ukraine, Russia, Japan, Australia, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Pacific, Bangkok, Chile, Thailand, China . Hong Kong, Seattle, American, Malaysia, Shanghai, ponchos, Vietnam, Philippines, Hawaii

☆ Hong Kong financial secretary discusses rates, property sector
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-07 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: 1 min

Share Share Article via Facebook Share Article via Twitter Share Article via LinkedIn Share Article via EmailOur mortgage-to-income ratio is still at a 'very comfortable' level: Hong Kong financial secretaryPaul Chan, Hong Kong financial secretary, discusses Hong Kong's property market and how residents are positioned for higher-for-longer interest rates.

Persons: Paul Chan Organizations: Hong Locations: Hong Kong

☆ What is APEC? Asia-Pacific leaders head to San Francisco
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-01 | by ( David Brunnstrom | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +6 min

REUTERS/Athit Perawongmetha/Pool/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsWASHINGTON, Nov 1 (Reuters) - Leaders from the 21-member Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum will meet in San Francisco this month for the 30th APEC summit, the first hosted by the United States since 2011. APEC leaders are due to gather between Nov. 15-17. From Nov. 11 senior APEC finance officials and ministers will meet ahead of the summit, while the annual APEC CEO summit will run from Nov. 14-16. As of 2021, APEC members made up seven of the United States' top 10 overall trading partners. FASHION SHOWTraditionally APEC leaders wear local costume for a final-day group photo.

Persons: Xi Jinping, Peng Liyuan, Prayuth Chan, ocha, Naraporn Chao, Athit, Joe Biden, Xi, Biden, Morris Chang, John Lee, Lee, Paul Chan, Vladimir Putin, Putin, Matt Goodman, BUZZWORDS, Goodman, Washington, Donald Trump, Bill Clinton, Barack Obama, David Brunnstrom, Michael Martina, Michelle Nichols, Matthew Lewis Organizations: Thai, Economic Cooperation, REUTERS, Rights, APEC, U.S, Reuters Hong, Hong, Financial, The State Department, White, Economic, Thomson Locations: Asia, Bangkok, Thailand, San Francisco, United States, China, Bali, Canberra, Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Philippines, Russia, Singapore, Taiwan, Vietnam, India, Washington, U.S, Ukraine, APEC, Seattle, Francisco

☆ Explainer-What Is APEC? Asia-Pacific Leaders Head to San Francisco
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-01 | by ( Nov. | At A.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +5 min

By David BrunnstromWASHINGTON (Reuters) - Leaders from the 21-member Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum will meet in San Francisco this month for the 30th APEC summit, the first hosted by the United States since 2011. APEC leaders are due to gather between Nov. 15-17. From Nov. 11 senior APEC finance officials and ministers will meet ahead of the summit, while the annual APEC CEO summit will run from Nov. 14-16. As of 2021, APEC members made up seven of the United States' top 10 overall trading partners. FASHION SHOWTraditionally APEC leaders wear local costume for a final-day group photo.

Persons: David Brunnstrom WASHINGTON, Joe Biden, Xi Jinping, Xi, Biden, Morris Chang, John Lee, Lee, Paul Chan, Vladimir Putin, Putin, Matt Goodman, BUZZWORDS, Goodman, Washington, Donald Trump, Bill Clinton, Barack Obama, David Brunnstrom, Michael Martina, Michelle Nichols, Matthew Lewis Organizations: Economic Cooperation, APEC, U.S, TSMC, Reuters Hong, Hong, Financial, The State Department, White, Economic Locations: Asia, San Francisco, United States, China, Bali, Canberra, Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Philippines, Russia, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam, India, Bangkok, Washington, U.S, Ukraine, APEC, Seattle, Francisco

☆ Explainer: What is APEC? Asia-Pacific leaders head to San Francisco
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-01 | by ( David Brunnstrom | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +6 min

☆ Hong Kong Finance Chief to Attend APEC Meet, Side-Stepping Dispute
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-31 | by ( Oct. | At A.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +1 min

HONG KONG (Reuters) - Hong Kong's financial secretary Paul Chan will attend an APEC meeting on Nov. 15-17 in San Francisco, it said on Tuesday, standing in for Chief Executive John Lee and smoothing over a diplomatically sensitive issue for both Beijing and Washington. Beijing had previously said Lee, who is subject to U.S. sanctions, should attend. The United States imposed sanctions on Lee in 2020 over his role in the crackdown of pro-democracy demonstrations. Earlier this year, a State Department spokesperson said Washington would work with Hong Kong to ensure "appropriate" participation in the APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) meeting. Hong Kong's statement said Lee was unable to attend due to "scheduling issues" and made no mention of the U.S. sanctions.

Persons: Paul Chan, John Lee, Lee, Wang Yi, Washington, Hong, Chan, Twinnie Siu, Farah Master, Ryan Woo, Louise Heavens, Mark Potter Organizations: Reuters, Chief, Beijing, Foreign, APEC, State Department, Economic Cooperation Locations: HONG KONG, San Francisco, Beijing, Washington, United States, Hong Kong, Asia, U.S

HONG KONG (AP) — Hong Kong leader John Lee will not attend an upcoming economic conference in the U.S. due to “scheduling issues” despite an earlier appeal to be invited as per convention, following reports that he would be barred from the gathering due to U.S. sanctions. Instead, Hong Kong’s financial minister Paul Chan will attend as a representative of Hong Kong on Lee's behalf. Lee himself had appealed to the U.S. to act in accordance with convention and send invitations to all member economies, including Hong Kong. Political Cartoons View All 1227 ImagesHe was sanctioned in 2020 together with 10 other Hong Kong officials, including previous chief executive Carrie Lam, for undermining the city's autonomy. Lee was previously Hong Kong’s security minister and oversaw the crackdown on the pro-democracy movement in the city following the 2019 anti-government protests.

Persons: Hong, John Lee, Lee, Paul Chan, Carrie Lam, Wang Yi, Joe Biden, Antony Blinken, Jake Sullivan Organizations: Hong, Economic, APEC, The Washington Post, British, U.S, White Locations: HONG KONG, Hong Kong, U.S, Asia, San Francisco, China, United States, The, Beijing, “ Hong Kong

[1/5] China's and Hong Kong's flags are seen on the pedestrian footbridge as decorations for the celebration of National Day, at the financial central district in Hong Kong, China October 3, 2023. "The last few years have created a very negative image of Hong Kong," said Inaki Amate, chairman of the European chamber in Hong Kong, one of the speakers at the M+ event. Executives point to the changing fabric of Hong Kong with mainlanders making up more than nine-out-of-ten of all those approved to work under government talent schemes. "If we believe that Hong Kong will be able to recover its most international Asia city status by continuing on this trend, we are very wrong," said Amate. “You’ve got what happened with the national security law, the pandemic and now you’ve got a pretty big problem with China’s economy.

Persons: Tyrone Siu, Inaki Amate, Paul Chan, haven’t, ”, Tara Joseph, “ You’ve, you’ve, Hong, Robert Walters, Patrick Ip, David Baverez, Baverez, Dorothy Kam, Scott Murdoch, Simon Cameron, Moore Organizations: REUTERS, Tyrone, European Union, Hong, Monetary, American Chamber of Commerce, Colliers, Companies, National Bank Australia, ASEAN Investment Cooperation, COVID ., COVID . Asia Pacific, Thomson Locations: Hong Kong, China, HONG KONG, Hong, British, Asia, Singapore, Dubai, COVID, COVID . Asia, Europe, “

☆ Hong Kong Says It Calls the Shots, Not Beijing. Investors Are Wary.
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-21 | by ( Alexandra Stevenson | More About Alexandra Stevenson | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: 1 min

Isolated from the world and pulled closer into Beijing’s orbit over the past three years, Hong Kong is finding that its fortunes are tied more than ever to China. The city’s stock market, which is seen as a proxy for China’s economy, is among the world’s worst performing this year. The rivers of money that flowed into companies, minting new wealth, have slowed to a trickle. To counter this sentiment, officials are making a big push for investors overseas, with trips to Europe and the United States. Paul Chan, the city’s finance chief, is visiting Paris and London this week and will then travel to Berlin and Frankfurt before moving on to the United States.

Persons: Paul Chan Locations: Hong Kong, China, Europe, United States, Paris, London, Berlin, Frankfurt

☆ Hong Kong to fine-tune mortgage limits for first-time homebuyers
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-25 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

HONG KONG, June 25 (Reuters) - Hong Kong plans to "fine-tune" the maximum size of mortgages available to first-time homebuyers, Financial Secretary Paul Chan said in a radio interview on Sunday. Chan told Commercial Radio Hong Kong that residents want to upgrade homes after starting families so the government is discussing with the de facto central bank to adjust mortgages to sizes that balance buyer interest and financial security. Currently buyers can borrow up to 50% of the cost of mid-sized-to-large homes priced over HK$12 million ($1.53 million). The government relaxed rules in February 2022 to allow first-time buyers to borrow up to 80% for homes costing HK$12 million or less, and 90% for homes priced HK$10 million or less. ($1 = 7.8298 Hong Kong dollars)Reporting by Clare Jim; Editing by Christopher CushingOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Paul Chan, Chan, Clare Jim, Christopher Cushing Organizations: Financial, Commercial Radio, HK, Thomson Locations: HONG KONG, Hong Kong, Commercial Radio Hong Kong

☆ Vacation destinations like Finland and Sicily are giving away free trips, flights, and hotels to revive tourism — see the full list
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-26 | by ( Hannah Towey | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

Sicily is offering discounted airfare and hotel stays, and Finland is giving away 10 free trips. Taiwan said it will pay international visitors $165 and Hong Kong is giving out 500,000 free flights. Sicily, Finland, Hong Kong, and Taiwan are giving away free flights, hotel stays, excursions, and even straight cash. Hong KongThe central district of Hong Kong. Starting March 1, the tickets will be distributed by airlines Hong Kong Express, Cathay Pacific, and Hong Kong Airlines, Time Out reported.

☆ Hong Kong government announces measures to lure wealthy family offices
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-24 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

HONG KONG, March 24 (Reuters) - Hong Kong's government announced a series of measures on Friday to attract wealthy family offices to set up in the financial hub as authorities try to restore business confidence and investor allure after three years of severe COVID-19 rules. "The policy statement demonstrates our determination to develop Hong Kong into a leading global family office hub," Paul Chan, the city's financial secretary said. Chan said this would help bolster Hong Kong's financial sector as well as areas including technology, green, arts and culture and philanthropy. City leader John Lee said last year that he had set a target of attracting 200 large family offices to set up in Hong Kong by 2025. Hong Kong's push to attract wealthy families comes as many wealthy individuals and companies shifted to rival financial hubs such as Singapore after Beijing's imposition of a national security law on Hong Kong in 2020.

☆ These 3 destinations in Europe and Asia will give you free hotel stays, flights, and cash to take your next vacation there
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-02 | by ( Hannah Towey | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Taiwan said it will pay international visitors $165 and Hong Kong is giving away 500,000 free flights. The governments of Sicily, Hong Kong, and Taiwan are pumping billions into the programs, which range from free flights, hotel stays, and excursions — to straight cash. Gary Yeowell/Getty ImagesSicily, a historic island in the South of Italy, first launched its "See Sicily" travel promotion two years ago and recently announced its revival for 2023. Hong KongThe central district of Hong Kong. Starting March 1, the tickets will be distributed by airlines Hong Kong Express, Cathay Pacific, and Hong Kong Airlines, Time Out reported.

HONG KONG, Feb 22 (Reuters) - Hong Kong will give more handouts to consumers to support the city's recovery from a prolonged economic downturn induced by COVID-19 restrictions, Financial Secretary Paul Chan announced in the 2023/24 budget on Wednesday. "However, the economic recovery is still in its initial stage, and there is a need for our people and businesses to regain vigour." Hong Kong counts on increased cross-border business with mainland China, which has also given up enforcing COVID rules. Hong Kong usually runs balanced budgets or surpluses, since its pegged currency system commits it to fiscal prudence, but still has ample reserves. ($1 = 7.8488 Hong Kong dollars)Additional reporting by Jessie Pang and Donny Kwok; Writing by Marius Zaharia; Editing by Jacqueline WongOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Hong Kong's financial secretary expects real GDP growth of 3.5% to 5.5% in 2023
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-22 | by ( Laura He | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

Hong Kong CNN —Hong Kong’s Covid-hit economy will return to growth this year and expand by between 3.5% and 5.5%, as the city opens up and China’s economic outlook improves, Hong Kong’s financial secretary said on Wednesday. On Wednesday, Hong Kong’s financial secretary Paul Chan said the economy will stage a significant rebound this year, with real GDP growth hitting 3.5% to 5.5%. Previously, analysts had broadly raised their forecasts for Hong Kong’s economic growth to a range between 3% and 6.5%. Industries like tourism, trade, and real estate, are set to “ride the crest of Hong Kong’s reopening wave,” they said. Currently, trading in Hong Kong’s financial market can be suspended under extreme weather, such as a typhoon.

Aerial view by drone of Tokyo Cityscape with Tokyo Sky Tree visible in Tokyo city, Japan on sunrise. Asia-Pacific markets are set to open mixed on Wednesday as investors look ahead to key economic data across the region. Japan's Nikkei 225 fell 0.7% as investors further digested the nation's producer price index that rose 1.6% on an annualized basis. Economists expect it to come in at 3.5% in the fourth quarter on an annualized basis , according to a Reuters poll. In New Zealand, the S&P/NZX 50 Index fell 0.64%, ahead of the central bank's interest rate hike decision.

☆ Hong Kong unveils budget, promising 'abundant opportunities' as city recovers
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-22 | by ( Sumathi Bala | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

Pedestrians pas stores in Hong Kong, China, on Saturday, Oct. 15, 2022. Hong Kong wants to become an international center for virtual assets as the city seeks to bolster its status as a global financial hub following the disruptions caused by the pandemic. "I believe that Hong Kong's economy will visibly recover this year, and I remain positive," Chan said during his budget speech. Hong Kong's economy is expected to see a rebound of 3.5% to 5.5% in 2023, after shrinking 3.5% in 2022, Chan said. Hong Kong closely followed China's strict zero-Covid policy until the middle of 2022 when the city began to ease some of the restrictions.

Hong Kong will issue vouchers worth HK$5,000 ($637) per person to all adults this year, half the amount issued in 2022. Hong Kong usually runs balanced budgets or surpluses, since its pegged currency system commits it to fiscal prudence. "HAPPY" HONG KONG? He also said a "Happy Hong Kong" campaign would be launched for the general public, including gourmet food fairs and harbourfront carnivals that would help stimulate consumption. ($1 = 7.8488 Hong Kong dollars)Additional reporting by Jessie Pang; Writing by Marius Zaharia and James Pomfret; Editing by Jacqueline WongOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

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