Paul Chan Urges Hong Kong and Europe to Deepen Dialogue and Cooperation

Hong Kong Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo‑po has called for deeper dialogue and stronger economic cooperation between Hong Kong and Europe following a five‑day visit to France, Belgium, and Switzerland. His message: differences between the two sides should not prevent engagement, especially at a time of growing geopolitical uncertainty.

Writing after meetings with political and business leaders during the trip, Chan said Hong Kong and European economies have significant room to expand cooperation in trade, cross‑border investment, and innovation‑driven sectors such as technology.

Dialogue Should Continue Despite Differences

Chan emphasized that maintaining open dialogue is essential even when disagreements arise. According to him, sustained engagement helps manage differences while preserving stable economic ties.

The finance chief noted that global politics and economic tensions are making cooperation more important. In this environment, continued exchanges between Hong Kong and European partners can contribute to stability and mutual understanding.

Why Europe Is Seeking New Partnerships

During his discussions in Europe, Chan observed that many European governments and businesses are pursuing what they call greater "strategic autonomy"—a push to strengthen economic resilience and diversify international partnerships.

This shift reflects concerns about geopolitical tensions and the risks of relying too heavily on a single market or supply chain. As a result, European policymakers and companies are increasingly interested in expanding global cooperation and strengthening multilateral partnerships.

Chan believes these developments create new opportunities for Hong Kong to build closer ties with Europe.

Opportunities in Trade, Investment, and Technology

According to Chan, collaboration between Hong Kong and Europe could grow in several key areas:

• Trade and cross‑border investment, where Hong Kong serves as a gateway to the Chinese mainland and broader Asia‑Pacific markets.
• Innovation and technology development, where both sides can share expertise and pursue joint investment opportunities.
• Financial and economic cooperation, including deeper links between markets and institutions.

Chan argued that pragmatic, mutually beneficial cooperation in these fields can help both sides adapt to a rapidly changing global economy.

A “Win‑Win” Approach to Future Relations

Despite acknowledging that Hong Kong and Europe may disagree on certain policy issues, Chan stressed that engagement should remain the priority. He described the potential relationship as one based on practical collaboration and shared economic interests.

His broader message after the European trip was clear: strengthening dialogue and pursuing mutually beneficial cooperation could allow both sides to navigate geopolitical uncertainty while expanding opportunities in trade, investment, and technological innovation.