The 18th Asian Financial Forum (AFF) 2025, co-organized by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), opened today at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC). Under the theme “Powering the Next Growth Engine”, the forum gathers over 130 global business leaders, policymakers, financial experts, and tech innovators to discuss strategies for global growth and innovation.
With participation from 3,600 financial and business elites spanning 50+ countries, AFF 2025 addresses pressing economic challenges, explores technological advancements, and highlights collaboration opportunities across industries.
Keynote Addresses: Vision for the Future
The forum began with remarks from John Lee, Chief Executive of the HKSAR, and keynote addresses by distinguished leaders:
- Zhou Ji, Executive Vice Director of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council.
- Dr Pan Gongsheng, Governor of the People’s Bank of China.
- Liu Zhenmin, Special Envoy for Climate Change of the People’s Republic of China.
Innovations for Future Growth
Dr Peter KN Lam, HKTDC Chairman, emphasized:
“Future growth will rely on innovations like AI, renewable energy, fintech, and healthcare. These advancements can drive economic growth and enrich human development for decades.”
Plenary Sessions and Global Insights
AFF 2025 features over 40 sessions, including Plenary Sessions, Policy Dialogues, Keynote Luncheons, and thematic workshops, covering topics such as:
- Global economic outlook.
- AI and fintech opportunities.
- Green finance and sustainability.
- Investment trends and philanthropy.
Plenary Highlights
Plenary Session I: Innovation: The Solution to Unlock the Next Growth Engines
Moderated by Christopher Hui, Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury of HKSAR, this session featured global finance leaders, including:
- Adylbek Kasymaliev, Kyrgyz Republic.
- Muhammad Aurangzeb, Pakistan.
- Gilles Roth, Luxembourg.
- Yoshiki Takeuchi, OECD.
The session discussed leveraging innovation for sustainable economic growth.
Plenary Session II: Collaboration: The Road to Growth and Prosperity
Speakers explored partnerships amid global challenges, featuring:
- Roberta Casali, Asian Development Bank.
- Jin Liqun, Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank.
- Satvinder Singh, ASEAN Economic Community.
Keynote Luncheon: Economic Growth Strategies
At today’s Keynote Luncheon, Paul Chan, Financial Secretary of HKSAR, delivered opening remarks, followed by a keynote speech from Prof Justin Lin Yifu, former Chief Economist at the World Bank. Discussions revolved around strategies to achieve stable economic growth in a volatile environment.
Thematic Discussions: Global Outlook and Sustainability
Global Economic Outlook
This discussion highlighted growth drivers and was led by:
- Liu Haoling, China Investment Corporation.
- Bonnie Y Chan, HKEX.
- Antoine Gosset-Grainville, AXA.
- Fred Hu, Primavera Capital Group.
Green Finance and Sustainability
The forum showcased the ISSB’s sustainability disclosure standards, aligning corporates with global green goals. Jack Chan, EY China Chairman, unveiled survey findings that emphasized integrating sustainability into business strategies despite existing barriers.
Investment and Innovation Zones
AFF Deal-Making
This year’s Deal-Making platform attracted over 270 investors and 560 projects, covering:
- Health tech.
- Fintech.
- Agritech.
- Deep tech.
Exhibition Zones
More than 140 fintech firms and start-ups showcased cutting-edge innovations. Zones included:
- Fintech Showcase.
- InnoVenture Salon, featuring over 100 start-ups.
- Global Investment Zone.
The Fintech HK Startup Salon hosted 60+ companies, highlighting Hong Kong as a tech innovation powerhouse.
Exploring AI and Climate Ambitions
AI in Finance
Tomorrow’s session will feature Prof Stuart Russell, World Economic Forum AI Council Co-chair, and Dr Kai-Fu Lee, Chairman of Sinovation Ventures, discussing AI’s transformative impact on the financial industry.
Climate Action Dialogue
The Asia Dialogue on Post-COP29 Implementation will explore strategies to enhance climate commitments. Joe Tsai, Chairman of Alibaba Group, will highlight corporate responsibility in fostering sustainable enterprises.
Enhancing the AFF Experience
To enrich participants’ visits, AFF 2025 offers exclusive discounts on Hong Kong attractions, dining, and cultural experiences, including:
- Victoria Harbour Cruises.
- Dining in Lan Kwai Fong.
- Winter Wonderland at Happy Valley Racecourse.
These activities aim to showcase Hong Kong’s vibrant city life and promote the MICE economy.
Powering Global Growth
The 18th Asian Financial Forum 2025 sets the stage for driving innovation, fostering collaboration, and unlocking new engines of economic growth. With its diverse sessions and dynamic networking opportunities, AFF 2025 reinforces Hong Kong’s pivotal role as a global financial hub.
