19th September 2023 – (Paris) Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, arrived in Paris on September 17 (Paris time) to embark on his official visit to France, aiming to strengthen bilateral ties and explore business opportunities.
During his visit, Mr Chan dedicated his time to two leading French enterprises, touring their research and development facilities. One company specialises in water resources management and waste recycling technologies, operating significant wastewater treatment and water services projects in Hong Kong. The other focuses on smart and digital energy management, providing green transition solutions to enterprises. Both companies expressed their interest in expanding their operations within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, Mainland China, and Asia. Mr Chan introduced Hong Kong’s latest developments and advantages in financial services, innovation, and technology, highlighting policies aimed at attracting strategic enterprises and facilitating the influx of talent. He encouraged the companies to leverage Hong Kong’s premier fundraising platform and establish their research and development bases in the city.
In the afternoon, Mr Chan visited Station F, a renowned start-up campus in Paris, where he met with representatives from La French Tech, France’s thriving start-up scene. The discussions centred around policies and initiatives implemented by France to nurture its start-up ecosystem. Mr Chan emphasised Hong Kong’s determination to become an international green tech and green finance center, highlighting ongoing efforts to build a vibrant green tech ecosystem. He emphasised the potential for collaboration and mutual exchange between start-ups in Hong Kong and France, particularly in the field of green tech.
Later in the evening, Mr Chan addressed attendees at the Europe Forum networking reception, organised by the Federation of Hong Kong Business Associations Worldwide, further strengthening business connections between Hong Kong and Europe.
On 17th September, Mr Chan met with a talented Hong Kong ballet dancer, who shared his journey in pursuing a career in performing arts. Notably, the dancer is the first-ever Chinese ballet dancer with the Opera National de Paris. Additionally, Mr Chan engaged with young Hong Kong musicians and cultural workers in Paris, gaining insights into their experiences and lives in Europe.
Today (19th September, Paris time), Mr Chan will continue his visit by attending the Think Business Think Hong Kong Symposium, organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council. The symposium aims to promote Hong Kong as a global business hub and facilitate trade opportunities between Hong Kong and France.
Mr Chan’s visit to France signifies the commitment to fostering business collaborations and cultural exchanges, further enhancing the ties between Hong Kong and France in various sectors.
