APEC finance ministers issue joint statement in Hong Kong
HK01 · 18 SOURCESabout 20 hours ago6 MIN
Summary
APEC finance ministers concluded their two-day meeting in Hong Kong on October 21, approving and releasing the 2026 APEC finance ministers’ joint statement and an Asia-Pacific digital infrastructure financing policy statement. Finance Minister Lan Fo’an (藍佛安), who chaired the meeting, said delegates reached a series of practical outcomes and deepened consensus in three areas: macroeconomic policy coordination, practical financial cooperation and regional integration. The meeting also produced two professional outcome documents on people-centred fiscal policy and inclusive finance, while reviewing the APEC youth finance talent exchange and cooperation programme. Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu and Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po said the meeting highlighted Hong Kong’s role as an international financial centre and its capacity to host high-level international events.
Key Points
- Lan said the Hong Kong meeting ended successfully with support from participating economies and high-quality logistical support from the Hong Kong government.
- Ministers approved the 2026 joint statement and a voluntary, non-binding policy statement on Asia-Pacific digital infrastructure financing during the meeting.
- Lan said consensus was strengthened on macro policy coordination, stronger fiscal and financial resilience, and using artificial intelligence and other technologies to support growth.
- The meeting produced a fiscal policy report on supporting livelihoods through investment in people, an inclusive finance casebook, and a review of youth exchanges.
- The joint statement cited risks from geopolitical tensions, debt vulnerabilities, demographic change, economic fragmentation, extreme weather and natural disasters, while reaffirming resilient supply chains and the 2021 exchange-rate commitment.
Why It Matters
For Hong Kong, the meeting gave the city a rare chance to host APEC finance ministers for the first time and to present itself directly to officials, international organisations and business leaders from 21 member economies. The agreed focus on household-supporting fiscal policy, digital infrastructure financing, inclusive finance and youth talent development also aligns with areas where Hong Kong officials say the city can contribute financing, professional services and cross-border connectivity.