Hong Kong's successful hosting of the APEC Finance Ministers' Meeting offered international audiences a concrete look at the values underpinning "One Country, Two Systems" — peace, inclusiveness, openness and sharing — and highlighted their relevance to the wider world. It also sets the stage for Hong Kong's role as the APEC meeting moves to Shenzhen.

Inclusiveness builds a platform for dialogue

Senior representatives from economies at very different stages of development, with diverse cultural backgrounds and differing positions, gathered in Hong Kong to tackle shared challenges — from geopolitical tensions and supply-chain vulnerabilities to mounting pressure on public finances. Through candid exchanges, participants reached consensus and issued a joint statement — a notable outcome at a time when multilateral financial dialogue is often stalled by disagreement and deadlock.

Hong Kong welcomed guests from across the region and encouraged economies to move beyond differences in pursuit of the broadest possible common ground for Asia-Pacific cooperation. This demonstrated both the city's capacity to convene high-level international events and the inclusiveness embedded in "One Country, Two Systems."

Openness reinforces Hong Kong's role as a "super connector"

As a key component of "APEC China Year," the Finance Ministers' Meeting was held in Hong Kong for the first time — reflecting Beijing's support and underscoring the city's role as a gateway for China's opening-up. Notably, the event was a coordinated effort between Hong Kong and Shenzhen, pointing to a path for Hong Kong to strengthen its bridging role by working in tandem with other Greater Bay Area cities.

More than 300 finance officials and representatives of international organisations gathered in Hong Kong, including the Republic of Korea's Deputy Prime Minister, the Australian Treasurer, Thailand's finance minister and the U.S. Deputy Treasury Secretary — a vivid illustration of Hong Kong as a "super connector." With the mainland's backing and close global connections, its advantages are set to become more prominent as opening-up advances.

Sharing fosters win-win cooperation

Hong Kong society embraced the spirit of win-win cooperation, sharing new opportunities and development dividends with other economies. The HKSAR government showcased Hong Kong's strengths in economic, financial and social development and committed to expanding financial cooperation with Asia-Pacific economies. Its financial, tourism and other sectors seized the opportunity to unlock cooperation potential.

Many senior participants praised Hong Kong's combined strengths in finance, legal services, innovation and research, and its international networks. Some recognised it as one of the world's most competitive economies and expressed interest in exploring new opportunities — some even planned to stay on to learn more about the city. For international investors, the message is clear: choosing Hong Kong means choosing opportunity; investing in Hong Kong means investing in the future.

Peace and stability underpin prosperity

Maintaining peace and stability was a shared aspiration among participating economies. With high degree of autonomy, social harmony and stability, Hong Kong shows that "One Country, Two Systems" offers a safe, stable and predictable environment for development and investment — a "safe harbour" and "hub for development" amid global turbulence.

Hong Kong's performance highlighted the institutional strengths and vitality of "One Country, Two Systems" — the best arrangement for Hong Kong's prosperity, stability and long-term development, and a positive force for shared prosperity in the Asia-Pacific.

Looking ahead: from Hong Kong to Shenzhen

With the APEC meeting moving to Shenzhen in the coming weeks, Hong Kong's unique role under "One Country, Two Systems" becomes clearer: leveraging its international hub position alongside Shenzhen and other Greater Bay Area cities, it can jointly participate in Asia-Pacific regional cooperation. Hong Kong is well placed to ride the momentum of integrating into and serving the country's overall development. The institutional strengths of "One Country, Two Systems" will continue to propel the city forward, with its values of peace, inclusiveness, openness and sharing expressed through new practices — from Hong Kong's Finance Ministers' Meeting to Shenzhen's APEC meeting.