Hong Kong’s finance chief has rejected the notion that the city serves merely as a financial testing ground for mainland China, saying its global role is far broader and rooted in its longstanding strengths as an international financial centre.

Financial Secretary Paul Chan said Hong Kong occupies a distinctive position linking China with global markets, enabling the city to serve simultaneously as a gateway for international capital entering the mainland and as a platform for Chinese companies seeking access to global investors.

He stressed that the city’s economic system, legal framework and international connectivity give it a role that goes well beyond policy experimentation.

Chan highlighted Hong Kong’s advantages under the "one country, two systems" framework, which allows the city to maintain a free-market economy, an internationally recognised legal system and deep financial connections with both mainland China and overseas markets.

These features, he said, position Hong Kong as a bridge between East and West rather than simply a laboratory for financial reforms.

The finance chief pointed to the city’s strong financial infrastructure, including its stock exchange, capital markets and wealth-management sector, as evidence of its enduring global relevance.

Hong Kong remains one of the world’s leading financial centres and continues to serve as a major hub for international investment flows.

Chan noted that the city has expanded its role in recent years through initiatives linking mainland and Hong Kong financial markets.

These mechanisms allow investors from both sides to access a broader range of financial products and deepen cross-border capital flows, reinforcing Hong Kong’s importance in the global financial system.

Beyond traditional finance, Hong Kong is also positioning itself as a centre for emerging sectors such as green finance, digital assets and financial technology.

Authorities have introduced policies to encourage innovation and attract international firms, while also strengthening cooperation with the mainland in areas such as research, technology and financial services.

The government has also announced major investment plans aimed at building new economic drivers, including technology zones and innovation hubs designed to integrate Hong Kong more closely with regional development in the Greater Bay Area.

Chan said these initiatives reflect a broader strategy to ensure the city continues to evolve as a comprehensive global financial centre, combining international expertise, strong regulatory standards and access to the mainland’s vast economic opportunities.

He emphasized that Hong Kong’s future lies in leveraging its dual advantages: deep integration with China’s economic development and a trusted international business environment that attracts global capital and talent.

With global markets undergoing significant shifts, the finance chief said Hong Kong’s openness, resilience and international orientation would allow it to continue playing a central role in global finance while serving as a vital connector between China and the rest of the world.