Hong Kong's Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau published a readout of Chief Executive John Lee’s meetings with Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) President Zou Jiayi and senior finance officials from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Türkiye, held alongside the 19th Asian Financial Forum. The engagements centred on strengthening cooperation in infrastructure finance and trade connectivity, including Hong Kong’s support for the AIIB establishing an office in the city. The release highlighted Hong Kong’s role in supporting AIIB operations through project financing, bond issuance, and investment and financial management, and its position as a connector between Mainland China and global markets under the “one country, two systems” principle. With the UAE, Mr Lee noted 2024 merchandise trade exceeding USD 16 billion and pointed to continued cooperation across economy and trade, investment, finance and technology, with Hong Kong positioning itself as a functional platform for the Belt and Road Initiative. Discussions with Türkiye referenced existing double taxation avoidance and investment protection agreements, with Hong Kong encouraging Turkish firms to use the city as a gateway to Mainland and Asian markets and promoting the Belt and Road Scholarship for Turkish youth.
Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau (Hong Kong) 2026-01-27
Hong Kong Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau supports AIIB office plans and discusses Belt and Road cooperation with UAE and Türkiye
Hong Kong's Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau detailed Chief Executive John Lee’s meetings with Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank President Zou Jiayi and officials from the UAE and Türkiye, focusing on infrastructure finance and trade connectivity. The discussions emphasized Hong Kong's support for AIIB operations, its role as a connector under the “one country, two systems” principle, and its strategic position in the Belt and Road Initiative.