Hong Kong to host global heavyweights at Asian Financial Forum on ‘next growth engine’ Hong Kong is set to host the 18th Asian Financial Forum (AFF), the first major international financial and business event of 2025, under the theme “Powering the Next Growth Engine”. The forum on January 13 and 14 will bring together 100 global policymakers and business leaders, financial experts and investors, entrepreneurs, tech giants and economists to discuss the latest developments in financial markets and investment opportunities, according to the organiser, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC). It will be an opportunity for industry heavyweights to explore how Hong Kong can capitalise on its strengths as an international financial centre to seek breakthroughs, HKTDC added. “The geopolitical and economic landscape of 2025 is set to be fraught with challenges, underscoring the importance of international collaboration,” said Luanne Lim, chairperson of the AFF steering committee and HSBC’s Hong Kong CEO. The event will focus on the growth potential of emerging markets such as mainland China, Southeast Asia and the Middle East, as well as advancements in sectors like artificial intelligence (AI), fintech, sustainability, philanthropy and family offices, she added. “The forum continues to provide a premier platform for renowned global investors and fundraisers to collaborate and ignite new engines for growth with its strong international influence and diverse perspectives,” Lim said. Speakers including Fred Hu, founder and chairman of Chinese investment firm Primavera Capital Group, Jin Liqun, president and chair of Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, Li Yimei, CEO of China Asset Management, and Joe Tsai, chairman of Alibaba Group Holding will share their views on China, the world’s second-largest economy. Alibaba owns the Post. Southeast Asian countries will be represented by speakers including Satvinder Singh, deputy secretary general for Asean Economic Community of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. A new session will highlight the opportunities for financial cooperation and investment between the Middle East and Hong Kong, featuring speakers from both locations. Various panel discussions will feature representatives from Europe and the US, including Edward Dolman, executive chairman and CEO of British auction house Phillips Auctioneers, J Christopher Donahue, president and CEO of Federated Hermes, and Hou Yang, Microsoft’s chairman and CEO for the Greater China region and global senior vice-president. Speakers in AI and fintech space will include Stuart Russell, professor and co-chair of the World Economic Forum Council, Kai-fu Lee, chairman of Sinovation Ventures, and Ken Wong, president of Lenovo Solutions and Services Group. Justin Lin Yifu, former chief economist and senior vice-president of the World Bank, is expected to deliver a keynote speech on the shifting global economic landscape and its impact on mainland China and international markets. During last year’s forum, mainland and Hong Kong authorities announced six policy changes that increased support for the city in wealth management, bonds and banking services. https://www.scmp.com/business/banking-finance/article/3291229/hong-kong-host-global-heavyweights-asian-financial-forum-next-growth-engine (ICE HONG KONG)

Fonte notizia: South China Morning Post