The two-day 13th Asian Financial Forum (AFF), co-organized by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), opens on January 13th, 2020 in Hong Kong. China International Capital Corporation Limited (CICC, 3908.HK) acted as a sponsor to help the success of the conference again.

The theme of this year’s AFF is “Redefining Growth: Innovation ∙ Breakthrough ∙ Inclusiveness”. More than a hundred influential global financial experts, policymakers, business leaders, economists and investors gathered here examining topical issues in the global economy and explore new opportunities. The inaugural FintechHK Startup Salon will showcase fintech start-ups from Hong Kong and beyond, complemented by the returning Fintech Showcase and InnoTalks series. 

At the keynote luncheon on the first day of AFF, Ms Janet Yellen, former Chair of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System shared her perspectives on the independence of central banks and the implementation of monetary policy and Mr. Huang Zhaohui, CEO of CICC, delivered the opening remarks.

Mr. Huang Zhaohui expressed in his opening speech that China's reform and opening up has entered a new stage in recent years, and the pace of financial market opening has accelerated significantly, which contains huge business development opportunities. Looking ahead, China is still the most attractive investment destination in the world, and it is the right time to invest in China's capital market. At the same time, China has made great progress in high technology. We also see that Chinese enterprises and the Chinese government have greatly increased their investment in science and technology, forming a virtuous circle. We believe that the participation of international advanced financial enterprises and international long-term investment will help China's financial institutions absorb advanced business management concepts, enhance their professional capabilities and international competitiveness, and further enrich the products, services and tools of China's capital market, which will promote the activity and depth of China's capital market in the medium and long term.

Mr. Huang Zhaohui also indicated that this year marks the 25th anniversary of CICC. With the development of global network, CICC has established obvious business advantages in overseas equity and debt financing for Chinese enterprises, cross-border acquisition, interconnection of capital markets and other cross-border business. Facing the future, CICC will continue to play a role as a bridge for financial exchanges between China and foreign countries in the process of continuous deepening reform and opening-up of the country. I will also lead CICC to provide comprehensive and high-quality financial services for customers at home and abroad.

Launched in 2007, the AFF brings together some of the most influential members of the global financial and business community to discuss developments and trends in the dynamic markets of Asia. CICC has been sponsoring this Keynote Luncheon for eight years since 2012. In the last, Mr. Huang Zhaohui wishes Asian Financial Forum another huge success and looks forward to CICC providing continuous support to the sustainable development of the global economy in the future.