Speech by FS at CPA Congress 2026 (English only) (with photos/video)

Following is the speech by the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, at the CPA Congress 2026 today (October 29):

CG Gareth Williams (Consul-General of Australia to Hong Kong and Macao), Dr Asheley Jones (Chief Learning and Innovation Officer of CPA Australia), Cyrus (Divisional President of CPA Australia Mr Cyrus Cheung), identified visitors, women and gentlemen,

Great early morning. I am delighted to join you at the CPA Australia Congress Hong Kong 2026. A hot welcome to you all, especially those checking out from afar.

As an accounting professional myself, I am pleased that the style today is “Lead the Outcome”It is great to see accounting professionals being welcomed into the discussion before choices are made – and not simply later on to discuss what occurred.

This Congress uses time to go back, exchange concepts and think about where the occupation can make a higher distinction.

Companies today deal with no scarcity of guidance. Diversity. Welcome innovation, particularly AI. Get ready for the green shift. The more difficult concerns are: where and what should we invest in, which runs the risk of should we take, and when should we move?

That is where accounting experts been available in. You check presumptions, weigh the options and assist organizations turn appealing concepts into practical strategies. I make sure today’s conversations will use fresh insights to support that work.

For Hong Kong, we are similarly figured out to turn chances into enduring results.

Last month, we launched our really first Five-Year Plan, setting out our advancement instructions and objectives through 2030. It offers a clearer structure for policymaking, public sector financial investment and economic sector technique formula. Services can not forecast every turn in the worldwide economy. They can comprehend our methods and concerns, so they can prepare and invest with self-confidence.

Today, let me highlight simply 2 linked top priorities in our Five-Year Plan: financing, and development and innovation.

Hong Kong combines capital, innovators, business and expert knowledge. We wish to put these strengths to fuller usage, therefore establishing brand-new development engines, supporting brand-new markets, assisting organizations change and broaden, in addition to funding the green shift. This is the believing behind our “Finance+” technique.

The concern is not just how much capital we draw in, however what that capital enables.

Our close connection with the Mainland is main to this function. Its strong research study and result translation abilities, comprehensive supply chain and advanced production networks in addition to large market assistance take innovations from the lab to the marketplace at scale. Advances in synthetic intelligence, semiconductors and green innovations are likewise opening up brand-new financial investment chances.

Hong Kong links these strengths and chances with global capital and international markets. We assist Mainland business browse global requirements and broaden overseas, while providing worldwide financiers a relied on and familiar platform to take part in the Mainland’s development.

The momentum is motivating. In the very first 9 months of this year, IPOs (going publics) in Hong Kong raised some HK$ 388 billion, more than double the quantity a year previously. Worldwide financiers from the United States (United States), Europe, Southeast Asia and the Middle East are significant gamers here, while capital from the Mainland continues to stream in.

Our reach is likewise expanding, with business from Southeast Asia, Central Asia and the Middle East checking out chances to list equities or concern bonds here. Australian business are, naturally, warmly welcome to think about a double listing.

Beyond linking more markets, we support developing a greener economy. Here in Hong Kong, we are broadening our sustainable financing taxonomy and lining up sustainability disclosures with worldwide requirements. These efforts assist financiers look beyond the label and have the self-confidence to devote to green and shift financial investment. By the method, in regards to green and sustainable financing financial obligations organized in Hong Kong, we top Asia. In 2015, the overall quantity had to do with US$ 77 billion.

Our 2nd concern is development and innovation.

In the Northern Metropolis, the job works out beyond land and structures.

We are bringing education, research study, skill, business and market together to produce a brand-new engine of development. By reducing the time to take discoveries to market and supporting them with client capital, we offer start-ups and young business space to grow and scale.

Life and health innovation provides a clear example of this capacity. In the Hetao co-operation zone (Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone), Hong Kong and Mainland authorities are enhancing co-operation in medical research study and drug guideline, while helping with cross-boundary circulations of information and biological samples.

These efforts are bring in global pharmaceutical business to carry out research study and medical trials here, along with established their sophisticated production centers here, so that the items established can reach the Mainland and wider global markets at the exact same time.

Clinical capacity does not end up being business success on its own. It requires sound preparation, sustained funding, reliable threat management and a clear course to scale. This is where accounting specialists enter play.

Every creator wishes to alter the world. It assists to have somebody who can challenge their presumptions, aid develop company strategies, safe and secure financing, screen dangers, and interact their items and worth proposals. And your function grows as business broaden.

For those of you who remain in the audit and guarantee services, preserving stability and quality stays an important top priority. For accounting professionals in organization, you are the frontline gatekeeper and consultant to the Board.

Our shared duty is to sustain the trust and self-confidence in our services and capital markets along with Hong Kong’s status as a global monetary and company centre.

It goes without stating that constant knowing is essential. I see 3 qualities ending up being significantly important for fellow accounting professionals: technological skills grounded in service understanding; stability and sound judgement; and a worldwide outlook with the capability to work together throughout markets, disciplines and cultures.

Ladies and gentlemen, expert bodies play an essential function in assisting members get ready for the shift and upcoming chances. We value the work of CPA Australia. Through training, exchanges and co-operation throughout its worldwide network, it assists members establish brand-new abilities, expand their viewpoints and bring worldwide experience into regional practice.

Interacting, we can make Hong Kong a location where organizations discover the proficiency to turn development into chance, and the self-confidence to grow beyond borders.

I want you a productive congress, and the very best of health and company. Thank you quite.

Ends/Thursday, October 29, 2026

Provided at HKT 11:30

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FS goes to CPA Congress 2026