Hong Kong's Financial Secretary, Paul Chan, emphasized the importance of vigilance and risk management in the current international climate. According to RTHK, Chan highlighted the need for contingency planning and maintaining a baseline mindset during a lecture at the Hong Kong News-Expo. He stated that the government will persist in market monitoring while continuing to explore and develop new opportunities.
Chan discussed the importance of consolidating traditional markets and capital while actively seeking new markets and funds. He mentioned efforts to attract companies from the Middle East and Southeast Asia to list in Hong Kong, describing the expansion into new markets as a long-term endeavor requiring continuous effort.
Regarding interest rates, Chan expressed the view that U.S. interest rates are unlikely to decrease significantly in the near future. He noted that the Hong Kong dollar is pegged to the U.S. dollar, meaning interest rate trends will align, though the pace may differ. Chan suggested that if market liquidity is sufficient, Hong Kong's interest rates may not need to closely follow U.S. rates.